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

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.

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.