With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, teams are scrambling to make moves to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. Starting pitchers are always a hot commodity at this time of year, and this season is no different. Here are three available starting pitchers that contenders are targeting as the July 30 deadline looms closer.
First up is left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal, 27, is considered a bona fide ace and is under team control through 2026. He boasts an impressive resume, with a 2.57 ERA, 242 strikeouts, and 35 walks in his past 34 starts. Teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers, who have deep prospect pools, are rumored to be interested in acquiring the first-time All-Star. While Skubal will come at a high price in terms of prospects, for a World Series contender, he could be the missing piece to a championship run.
Next on the list is left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. Crochet, 25, is under team control through 2026 and has been dominant this season, posting a 1.61 ERA with 150 strikeouts at the All-Star break. Despite concerns about his innings total this season, teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested in acquiring the young southpaw. Crochet could provide a valuable boost to a team’s rotation or bullpen down the stretch.
Finally, we have left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels. At 34 years old, Anderson is the oldest of the three pitchers mentioned, but he is under contract through 2025. Despite his age, Anderson has proven to be a reliable arm, earning two All-Star selections in the last three seasons. With a 2.97 ERA and an 8-8 record in the first half of the season, Anderson could be a solid addition for a team in need of pitching depth without having to give up top prospects.
As the trade deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see where these three pitchers end up. Contenders will be looking to make moves to strengthen their pitching staffs for a playoff run, and these three pitchers could be the key pieces they are searching for. Stay tuned as the trade deadline drama unfolds in the coming days.
