Early Starting Pitcher Trade Candidates Ahead Of The MLB Trade Deadline

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The MLB trade deadline is less than two months away. In both the American and National Leagues, there are teams that are going to be hard sellers and some that might do a bit of both. Around baseball, starting pitchers are coveted, especially with the way the injury bug has struck multiple should-be contenders. Let’s take a look at some of the starting pitchers that could be moved before August third at 6:00pm.

LHP Robbie Ray (SFG)

The Giants are looking like sellers. For President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, it signals that his first two years in his tenure have been abject failures, with every big move failing. In an effort to retool, reports have surfaced from ESPN’s Buster Olney that the Giants could move some cornerstone players, one being Robbie Ray. Ray has not had the best season so far in 2026, but has a career resume that speaks for itself. Ray has a Cy Young on his resume and is a veteran who could eat innings. A team like the Atlanta Braves or the Chicago Cubs could benefit from adding him because of his resume and the potential he could bring to the team down the stretch and possibly into October.

Platoon Splits
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	SB	CS	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	SH	SF	ROE	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
vs RHB	15	254	219	31	50	9	0	13	13	4	30	53	1.77	.228	.316	.447	.764	98	3	1	4	1	.236	105	117
vs LHB	14	83	73	4	18	3	1	1	2	0	8	21	2.63	.247	.317	.356	.673	26	2	1	1	0	.327	84	84
vs RHB as LHP	15	254	219	31	50	9	0	13	13	4	30	53	1.77	.228	.316	.447	.764	98	3	1	4	1	.236	105	108
vs LHB as LHP	14	83	73	4	18	3	1	1	2	0	8	21	2.63	.247	.317	.356	.673	26	2	1	1	0	.327	84	98

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/18/2026.

RHP Freddy Peralta (NYM)

Let’s face it, the Mets are most likely going to be selling some parts at the deadline this season. The part that will give them the biggest return is Freddy Peralta. Peralta has had a rocky 2026 season, with his max exit velocity sitting in the bottom six percent of baseball. He’s posting a 22.7 strikeout percentage, good for league average. Last season with the Brewers, Peralta was dominant. This season so far he has a 1.301 WHIP against him, which is not the best, but he is still getting outs and has looked better over his most recent starts for the Mets. What is going to make Peralta so appealing is his low salary for the remainder of the season, which could give the Mets a bigger return. Teams like the aforementioned Chicago Cubs or their crosstown rival, the White Sox, could be good fits to land Peralta’s services.

Platoon Splits
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	SB	CS	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	ROE	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
vs RHB	15	122	105	6	22	4	0	1	1	0	12	27	2.25	.210	.311	.276	.588	29	1	4	0	1	0	.269	70	71
vs LHB	15	235	212	24	53	11	1	9	1	1	21	54	2.57	.250	.316	.439	.755	93	2	0	1	1	2	.293	114	103
vs RHB as RHP	15	122	105	6	22	4	0	1	1	0	12	27	2.25	.210	.311	.276	.588	29	1	4	0	1	0	.269	70	75
vs LHB as RHP	15	235	212	24	53	11	1	9	1	1	21	54	2.57	.250	.316	.439	.755	93	2	0	1	1	2	.293	114	100

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/18/2026.

RHP Joe Ryan (MIN)

Another frontline starter that could be moved is the Twins' Joe Ryan. Ryan has been among the most dominant starters over the past two seasons, but his savant page is bright red, which is a good thing. Ryan has posted a 27.7 strikeout rate with a stellar 4.8 walk rate. In short, this means Ryan is throwing strikes and lots of them, getting outs and not giving up free passes. It’s going to take a lot for the Twins to pull the trigger on dealing their ace and entering full teardown mode, but a decent package might entice them. Teams that could be interested include the Blue Jays, Cubs, and Braves, all of whom could use a starter of Ryan’s caliber.

Platoon Splits
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	SB	CS	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SF	ROE	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
vs RHB	15	136	126	13	28	8	1	5	1	8	40	5.00	.222	.265	.310	.574	39	2	0	2	1	.310	92	65
vs LHB	15	196	183	20	38	8	7	8	2	8	52	6.50	.208	.260	.366	.626	67	0	5	0	2	.250	106	69
vs RHB as RHP	15	136	126	13	28	8	1	5	1	8	40	5.00	.222	.265	.310	.574	39	2	0	2	1	.310	92	68
vs LHB as RHP	15	196	183	20	38	8	7	8	2	8	52	6.50	.208	.260	.366	.626	67	0	5	0	2	.250	106	66

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/18/2026.

RHP Reid Detmers (LAA)

While it’s unlikely he will be moved, Reid Detmers should be mentioned as one of the top starters who could be moved in July. It’s been a breakout year for Detmers, who has posted a 28.2 strikeout percentage in his first season in the Angels rotation. He’s also posting a .262 xwOBA, which is in the top 9% of all starters in baseball. It could be in the best interest of the Angels to move him at the deadline to net a return that could change the outlook and future of the organization. It’s going to take a team with a really deep farm system, like the Milwaukee Brewers or the Tampa Bay Rays, to offer a king's ransom to get a deal done. Still, if the right team comes calling, the Angles might consider a deal.

Platoon Splits
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	SB	CS	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SF	ROE	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
vs RHB	15	264	240	28	49	14	1	6	6	1	18	77	4.28	.204	.259	.346	.604	83	4	1	4	4	.267	108	72
vs LHB	15	91	81	5	15	1	0	1	2	1	6	23	3.83	.185	.264	.235	.498	19	1	3	1	0	.241	75	38
vs RHB as LHP	15	264	240	28	49	14	1	6	6	1	18	77	4.28	.204	.259	.346	.604	83	4	1	4	4	.267	108	66
vs LHB as LHP	15	91	81	5	15	1	0	1	2	1	6	23	3.83	.185	.264	.235	.498	19	1	3	1	0	.241	75	48

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/18/2026.

LHP Tarik Skubal (DET)

It is indisputable that Tarik Skubal, if he’s moved, will be the best starter to be moved at the deadline. Skubal missed a majority of the season so far after getting bone spurs removed from his shoulder, but is healthy and pitching now. Skubal, when pitching, is the best pitcher in baseball. This season, Skubal has a 35.7% chase rate, a 26.2% strikeout percentage, and a 48.8% ground ball rate. Skubal is going to cost a lot in terms of prospects, but it will be worth it. There are few starters that are as dominant as Skubal, and if a contender has a chance to acquire his talent, you do it. Teams like the Dodgers will be involved, but a sleeper team that could be ready to strike is the Milwaukee Brewers, with a deep farm system and a path to glory as open as any.

Platoon Splits
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	SB	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	ROE	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
vs RHB	8	146	137	13	26	10	0	1	3	5	41	8.20	.190	.228	.285	.512	39	8	2	1	1	3	.260	69	47
vs LHB	8	41	39	3	14	0	1	2	1	2	8	4.00	.359	.390	.564	.954	22	1	0	0	0	0	.414	211	157
vs RHB as LHP	8	146	137	13	26	10	0	1	3	5	41	8.20	.190	.228	.285	.512	39	8	2	1	1	3	.260	69	41
vs LHB as LHP	8	41	39	3	14	0	1	2	1	2	8	4.00	.359	.390	.564	.954	22	1	0	0	0	0	.414	211	178

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/18/2026.

Matthew Nethercott is a writer covering MLB news, rumors, trade analysis, and behind-the-scenes reporting. A junior at Manhattanville University studying Communications with a minor in Sports Studies, he brings a sharp eye for detail and a passion for baseball journalism to every story.

Follow Matthew Nethercott on Twitter: mnethercott_