In the upcoming postseason, teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Astros, and Blue Jays are all on the hunt for quality starting pitchers. Notably, in the week leading up to the trade deadline, 11 starting pitchers switched teams, but only four—Alex Cobb, Zach Eflin, Jack Flaherty, and Frankie Montas—will actually participate in the playoffs, highlighting the scarcity of elite starting talent. These four pitchers have combined for just 9 starts and a record of 4 wins and 5 losses, with Flaherty standing out as a key player for the Dodgers in their World Series run, helping lead the team to a 3-2 winning record.
As the trade deadline approaches, nearly all title-contending teams are bolstering their bullpen to adapt to the increasingly strategic approach to game management seen today. Finding starting pitchers capable of clinching playoff victories is becoming more elusive, making the dynamics of the trade market particularly captivating. While bullpens stocked with strikeout specialists are relatively easy to come by, securing a starting pitcher who can truly alter the course of a game remains a significant challenge.
Currently, several pitchers are considered to have trade potential, but not every pitcher will be on the radar for all teams. For instance, Seth Lugo has signed an extension with the Royals, and it seems Joe Ryan and MacKenzie Gore are unlikely to be traded. Therefore, this article will focus on analyzing those top pitchers who might take the mound in the postseason.
Take Alcantara as an example. His usage ratio of four-seam fastballs and changeups is quite similar, but their effectiveness has significantly declined with his current form. Compared to his previous full season, his strike percentage has dropped to the lowest level since 2020, while the OPS allowed when trailing has hit a career-worst figure. Opponents’ success rate in stealing bases against him also highlights the various challenges he is currently facing.
On the other hand, Cabrera showcases impressive spin rates and exceptional power with his curveball, relieving the team from concerns about pitch counts. However, he still needs more time to adapt to lineup adjustments, aiming to further improve his contact and strike rates. As the playoffs draw closer, the assessment and adjustments of these potential pitchers by each team will become crucial.
