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With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, contenders around the league are evaluating where they need to improve before making a postseason push. While some clubs are searching for another bat or bullpen help, starting pitching remains the biggest priority for many teams hoping to play deep into October.
Whether it’s because of injuries, inconsistent performances, or simply the desire to add another frontline arm, these eight teams stand out as organizations that should be actively pursuing starting pitching before the deadline.
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Jul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) meets on the mound with teammates against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of baseball’s best teams this season, but another quality starter would make an already dangerous club even more formidable. A deeper rotation could prove invaluable during a playoff run.
The Milwaukee Brewers are one of the NL’s best teams, but adding another dependable starter would lessen the workload on their current rotation and provide additional depth for the second half.
The Chicago Cubs have been hit particularly hard by injuries to their starting staff. Even if some pitchers return later this season, acquiring another proven arm would help stabilize the rotation heading into the playoffs.
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the strongest rosters in baseball, yet another solid starter would give them one of the deepest postseason rotations in either league and reduce pressure on the bullpen.
Jul 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) stands on the mound during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves have battled inconsistency on the mound throughout the season and injuries, so they could use another veteran starter capable of providing reliable innings down the stretch.
The Arizona Diamondbacks remain firmly in the playoff mix, but adding another quality arm would strengthen a rotation that has shown flashes without always delivering consistency.
The Houston Astros have long built their success around elite starting pitching. Bringing in another experienced starter would reinforce that identity and provide valuable insurance entering October. They are within striking distance in the AL West.
The Chicago White Sox have the offense, but they lack the starting pitching that most playoff-caliber teams need. They have plenty of depth in the organization to help get this done.
History has shown that while explosive offenses generate headlines during the regular season, dominant starting pitching often determines who survives in October.
The Rays, Brewers, White Sox, Cubs, Braves, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Astros all have reasons to believe they can compete this year, but each could significantly improve its chances by adding another quality arm before the deadline.
With several impact starters expected to be available, don’t be surprised if many of these clubs become aggressive buyers. One well-timed trade could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a trip to the World Series.
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Whether it’s because of injuries, inconsistent performances, or simply the desire to add another frontline arm, these eight teams stand out as organizations that should be actively pursuing starting pitching before the deadline.
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Contenders Looking for Depth
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Jul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) meets on the mound with teammates against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of baseball’s best teams this season, but another quality starter would make an already dangerous club even more formidable. A deeper rotation could prove invaluable during a playoff run.
The Milwaukee Brewers are one of the NL’s best teams, but adding another dependable starter would lessen the workload on their current rotation and provide additional depth for the second half.
The Chicago Cubs have been hit particularly hard by injuries to their starting staff. Even if some pitchers return later this season, acquiring another proven arm would help stabilize the rotation heading into the playoffs.
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the strongest rosters in baseball, yet another solid starter would give them one of the deepest postseason rotations in either league and reduce pressure on the bullpen.
Teams That Need Pitching to Complement Their Offense
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Jul 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) stands on the mound during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves have battled inconsistency on the mound throughout the season and injuries, so they could use another veteran starter capable of providing reliable innings down the stretch.
The Arizona Diamondbacks remain firmly in the playoff mix, but adding another quality arm would strengthen a rotation that has shown flashes without always delivering consistency.
The Houston Astros have long built their success around elite starting pitching. Bringing in another experienced starter would reinforce that identity and provide valuable insurance entering October. They are within striking distance in the AL West.
The Chicago White Sox have the offense, but they lack the starting pitching that most playoff-caliber teams need. They have plenty of depth in the organization to help get this done.
Pitching Could Decide the World Series
History has shown that while explosive offenses generate headlines during the regular season, dominant starting pitching often determines who survives in October.
The Rays, Brewers, White Sox, Cubs, Braves, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Astros all have reasons to believe they can compete this year, but each could significantly improve its chances by adding another quality arm before the deadline.
With several impact starters expected to be available, don’t be surprised if many of these clubs become aggressive buyers. One well-timed trade could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a trip to the World Series.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
