MLB trade rumors: 9 best starting pitchers available after Tarik Skubal got dealt

With the Los Angeles Dodgers now the proud owners of Tarik Skubal, teams looking for starting pitcher upgrades as the 2026 MLB trade deadline looms have a handful of options to consider. According to trade rumors, the most talented pitchers available are as follows:

1. Seattle Mariners' George Kirby, a reliable and consistent starter with a sub-4.00 ERA in all but one of his five MLB seasons, may have become more expensive with Skubal off the market.

2. New York Mets' Clay Holmes, who has proven capable of carrying the rotation load after recovering from a broken leg and facing potential free agency.

3. Los Angeles Angels' Reid Detmers, who has a remarkable 145 strikeouts in 125 innings pitched, proving to be a valuable left-handed arm.

4. New York Mets' Jose Soriano, who boasts a 3.29 ERA and could fetch a valuable return if the Mets decide to rebuild.

5. Toronto Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman, the 35-year-old front-line starter with a 4.38 ERA this year, showcasing his continued effectiveness.

6. Seattle Mariners' Emerson Hancock, who has been solid in 2026 following a successful stint in Japan.

7. Washington Nationals' Foster Griffin, an underrated name with a 12-3 record and a 3.06 ERA after overcoming challenges in the majors before returning to the majors.

8. Detroit Tigers' Casey Mize, whose 2.70 ERA this year makes him a prime candidate for acquisition if the Tigers decide to make a significant trade.

Teams eager to bolster their starting rotation in anticipation of the 2026 deadline now have a range of options to explore, with Kirby, Holmes, Detmers, Soriano, Gausman, Hancock, Griffin, and Mize all presenting intriguing possibilities.