MLB · 5 months ago

2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Top Rental Starting Pitchers on the Market Ranked

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Framber Valdez — Houston’s Ace Rental
If there’s one pitcher who could headline the deadline as a short-term ace, it’s Framber Valdez. The Houston Astros southpaw has quietly been one of the game’s most reliable arms, posting a sub-3.50 ERA every year since 2021 while rarely missing a turn.

Valdez already has a postseason legend on his resume — his 1.44 ERA during Houston’s 2022 World Series title run still stands out. This season, he’s once again All-Star caliber, spinning a 2.90 ERA through 18 starts.

If Houston decides to retool and move him, Valdez’s track record and big-game experience would make him the best pure rental on the market.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
5. Zach Eflin — Orioles’ Bargain Arm
Zach Eflin might not be the biggest name on the market, but he’s quietly turning himself into a cost-effective option for contenders who don’t have the prospect firepower to chase a frontline ace.

The 31-year-old righty has weathered a rough season overall — carrying a 5.95 ERA and a 5.72 FIP with just 6.1 strikeouts per nine — yet recent outings hint he could deliver steady innings down the stretch.

The Baltimore Orioles' season has cratered back into seller mode, and with Eflin heading for free agency and owed $18 million, a willing team could grab him for minimal prospect capital by covering more of his salary. For pitching-hungry playoff hopefuls, he’s a classic low-risk, medium-reward deadline swing.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
4. Merrill Kelly — Arizona’s Second Trade Chip
Like Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly is another arm the Arizona Diamondbacks might dangle if their postseason hopes dim. The 36-year-old has a 3.55 ERA and a sparkling 1.09 WHIP through 18 starts — a reliable veteran profile any contender would crave.

He’s no stranger to October either, boasting a 2.15 ERA in four playoff starts in 2023, including a dominant seven-inning gem against the Houston Astros in the World Series.

With Kelly approaching free agency for the first time at 37, a qualifying offer could entice him to stay — so Arizona might prefer to move him now for guaranteed value.
3. Seth Lugo — KC’s Smart Flip
The Kansas City Royals made a shrewd move landing Seth Lugo for just $15 million per season. He rewarded them by logging 206.2 innings with a 3.00 ERA last year — and he’s kept the momentum with a tidy 2.65 ERA so far in 2025.

At 35, Lugo is likely to opt out and cash in for a longer deal this offseason. The Royals, stuck in offensive limbo, shouldn’t pay big bucks to keep him. Instead, shipping him now as a rock-solid mid-rotation arm could net a strong return they can’t ignore.

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2. Zac Gallen — Arizona’s Tough Call
Zac Gallen sits at the crossroads for the Arizona Diamondbacks. A true ace when healthy, he has two top-five Cy Young finishes in the last three seasons. Arizona hoped pairing him with Corbin Burnes would keep them in the title hunt — but Burnes’ elbow injury has complicated that plan.

Gallen’s ERA is an uncharacteristic 5.45 over 18 starts this year, but the upside remains. With free agency looming, Arizona must decide: push for the Wild Card or flip their 29-year-old ace for a package better than a compensation pick? Expect his name to swirl if the D-Backs fade further.

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1. Framber Valdez — Houston’s Ace Rental
If there’s one pitcher who could headline the deadline as a short-term ace, it’s Framber Valdez. The Houston Astros southpaw has quietly been one of the game’s most reliable arms, posting a sub-3.50 ERA every year since 2021 while rarely missing a turn.

Valdez already has a postseason legend on his resume — his 1.44 ERA during Houston’s 2022 World Series title run still stands out. This season, he’s once again All-Star caliber, spinning a 2.90 ERA through 18 starts.

If Houston decides to retool and move him, Valdez’s track record and big-game experience would make him the best pure rental on the market.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
5. Zach Eflin — Orioles’ Bargain Arm
Zach Eflin might not be the biggest name on the market, but he’s quietly turning himself into a cost-effective option for contenders who don’t have the prospect firepower to chase a frontline ace.

The 31-year-old righty has weathered a rough season overall — carrying a 5.95 ERA and a 5.72 FIP with just 6.1 strikeouts per nine — yet recent outings hint he could deliver steady innings down the stretch.

The Baltimore Orioles' season has cratered back into seller mode, and with Eflin heading for free agency and owed $18 million, a willing team could grab him for minimal prospect capital by covering more of his salary. For pitching-hungry playoff hopefuls, he’s a classic low-risk, medium-reward deadline swing.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.

2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Top Rental Starting Pitchers on the Market Ranked

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