SPECULATOR: Trade deadline, part 1: the market for pitching

Every July in this space, we spend the weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline speculating about what may transpire on July 31. Some years we have been right on the money with our reading of the market, in others we have been dreadfully off base. Above all, we think there's value (in an entertainment sense, as well as to our fantasy teams) in the thought exercise of "playing along" with the MLB GMs. After all, part of the reason we play our games is as a proxy for acting as a GM of our favorite team.

Let's kick off this year's coverage with a review of how the landscape has changed from prior years, and then, with the context properly set, we will assess the market for starting pitching.

Effects of the new CBA

MLB's new...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Speculator

The last Speculator of 2026 looks back at some of our earlier calls to see how things panned out.
Sep 17 2026 3:05am
Kyle Tucker has been one of many early-round disappointments in 2026.
Sep 2 2026 3:06am
A smattering of "best hits" from our Playing Time Tomorrow series, as well as some schedule-based speculations the rest of the way.
Aug 26 2026 3:07am
After a horrific start, Jacob Lopez has turned things around this summer. We dive into how, along with several other risers/fallers this summer.
Aug 19 2026 3:06am
CJ Abrams has always had the speed, and now both his frequency and quality of contact have taken steps forward.
Aug 5 2026 3:07am

Tools