The list of potential starting pitchers on the open market before the trade deadline:
1. David Price. The Tigers must believe they cannot extend Price who is free agent after this season. He is clearly the most valuable rental arm this year.
2. Johnny Cueto. The Reds pitcher has been good this season, with a 2.79 ERA in 18 starts. He is also a free agent at the end of the season. But there are some rumors that Cueto may have some health issues which may scare off some teams.
3. Yovani Gallardo. The Rangers are willing to listen for offers on Gallardo, who in 20 starts this season has a stellar 2.91 ERA.
4. Jeff Samardzija. The White Sox are trying to re-sign the Shark, but he really wants to hit free agency this off season. However, it is a risk for Samardzija because he has only shown flashes of brilliance this year.
5. Andrew Cashner. The Padres disappointing season means change in the wind. Cashner, 28, has had injury issues throughout his career, but has dominating stuff when healthy. In 18 starts, he has a 4.10 ERA.
6. Tyson Ross. The other Padres pitcher who is on the market. Ross, also 28, appears more durable than Cashner. In 20 starts he has a 3.38 ERA but leads the league in walks allowed.
7. C.J. Wilson. The Angels are on a roll right now, surging to first place in the AL West. But the new front office is likely to move salary (Wilson is owed $20 million in 2016) to get a position player.
8. Cole Hamels. Hamels wants out of Philadelphia, but his $68 million contract (with a potential $24 million vesting option in 2019) obligations make it difficult for most teams to absorb. In addition, the Phillies current front office is a difficult trade partner, seeking the moon for Hamels.
