5 can't-miss starting pitching trade targets if Mariners shift gears at the deadline

It seems like the Seattle Mariners are gearing up to make an offensive addition at the MLB trade deadline. ESPN has suggested bats such as Ryan O'Hearn, Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez as players who could drastically improve Seattle's offense.

But what if they don't? What if instead, the team decides to shore up its starting rotation? With injuries still a concern for Bryce Miller and inconsistency lingering for Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, it would not be a bad idea.

If the Mariners do decide to switch gears and trade for a starting pitcher rather than a bat or a reliever, here are five arms they could target.

5 starting pitching targets for the Mariners at MLB trade deadline

1. Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks

The veteran starter has posted a 3.32 ERA across 21 starts this year in the desert. At 36 years old, he is on pace for his second 4-WAR season and has looked healthy as ever. If Arizona decides to sell, Kelly is probably the first to go. He'll be a free agent at the end of the season and would be able to provide valuable innings to whatever contender he lands with.

2. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves

Sale has followed up his Cy Young-winning 2024 campaign with another good season in 2025. He holds a 2.52 ERA and has fanned 114 batters in 89.1 innings. Unfortunately for him, the Braves are not having a good season, currently sitting in fourth place in the NL East.

Sale might be the most expensive available starting pitcher at the deadline, but he could be available even with his recovery from a fractured rib cage expected to last into August. He does have a team option for 2026, so whoever trades for him could have him for another season.

3. Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals

Lugo just keeps getting better. Once an elite reliever with the New York Mets, he converted into a productive starter for the San Diego Padres in 2023. Then in 2024, he broke out with Kansas City and finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting.

This year, he is enjoying another strong season with a 6-5 record and a 2.94 ERA across 18 starts. Lugo has a player option for 2026, so whether the Royals trade him likely depends on how they think he'll approach the option. If Lugo wants a larger payday, it would make sense for him to decline the option and test the open market. If Kansas City wants to get value out of him, they could trade him at the deadline, and Seattle would be wise to check in.

4. Tyler Anderson, Los Angeles Angels

The Mariners traded for Anderson once at the deadline. Why not do it again? He was an All-Star in 2022 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and again in 2024 with the Angels, and while his numbers are not as strong this year (2-6, 4.43 ERA), he's still throwing plenty of solid innings.

If Seattle is still dealing with health issues in the rotation, Anderson is probably a more trustworthy option than Emerson Hancock as a fifth starter. And the upside is clearly there, while the price should be reasonable.

5. Aaron Civale, Chicago White Sox

Civale has already been traded once this year from the Milwaukee Brewers to the White Sox in exchange for Andrew Vaughn. He's made 12 starts this season and has a 4.76 ERA in 58.2 innings. He's shown spurts of being a great pitcher, most recently in 2023 when he had a 2.34 ERA with Cleveland. However, he was traded midseason and struggled down the stretch with Tampa Bay.