Three buy-low starting pitchers teams must target before the trade deadline

MLB’s infamous trade deadline on July 31 at 6 p.m. EST looms over every team as major roster decisions need to be made within seven days. Many buyers need starting pitchers to give their rotation a much-needed stamina boost to endure the final two months of the season, but starters usually come with a premium. With big clubs such as the Phillies, Dodgers, Yankees and Cubs all looking to add rotation depth, it’s time for clubs to expand their search beyond elite pitchers. 

Here are three buy-low trade candidates worth renting.

Sandy Alcantara

The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner is having the worst season in his career. In his first season back from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him the entire 2024 campaign, Alcantara holds a 6.66 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, allowing 77 runs in 20 games. 

Alcantara is still a workhorse. He averages 5.2 innings per outing and has a 21% hard-hit rate that is nothing to shrug off. Even with a -1.5 WAR, Alcantara has still attracted interest from several clubs, most recently from the Padres, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. He is best suited for a team like the Red Sox, who want a sixth starter and can afford to take on his $17.3 million contract next year.

Zac Gallen

Gallen’s performance has plummeted this year. With a 5.58 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through 21 starts, he’s not the dependable starter he was in 2023. His 23 home runs allowed are the second-highest among all MLB pitchers, and the rest of his stats are average at best. 

Gallen may be past his prime as he turns 30 on Aug. 3, but he's still a solid pitcher. He has posted seven quality starts this year and has recorded at least six strikeouts in eight games, including a career-best 13 in his three-hit shutout against the Yankees in April. A team like the Cubs or Astros, who only need a rental pitcher and can handle his inconsistencies, should be in the running for the impending free agent.

Luis Severino

Leaving New York did a number on Severino. Although his 5.10 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 84 strikeouts aren’t the worst mid-year statline in his decade-long career, it gets worse. His 11 losses, 67 earned runs and 11 hit-by-pitches are the highest among AL pitchers this year.

While the numbers don’t tell a compelling story, buyers may like his splits. His 3.10 ERA and 3-2 record on the road are drastically better than his 6.68 ERA and 0-9 record at Sutter Home Park. Recently, Severino has also navigated two hot teams, posting a 2.79 ERA with three earned runs and 11 strikeouts combined against the Blue Jays and Guardians. Severino needs a change of scenery and a team willing to take on his hefty contract. Moving to SoCal and joining the Dodgers rotation, which is rarely fully healthy, may be the answer.