The MLB trade deadline approaches, and several starting pitchers are expected to be on the move. Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals tops the list, likely to be traded as he has a player option for 2026. The Arizona Diamondbacks should consider dealing Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both free agents after the season. The Baltimore Orioles are set to part with Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano, while Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals is a strong candidate for a trade. Other potential names include Nick Martinez of the Cincinnati Reds and Aaron Civale from the Chicago White Sox.

Alongside these possible trades, there are pitchers who may step into starting roles after trades. This deadline is crucial for teams looking to bolster their rotations for a playoff push. Players like Nestor Cortes from Milwaukee and Patrick Corbin of Texas could also be on the move, impacting the league's pitching landscape significantly.

Cam Appenzeller, a standout pitcher from Chatham Glenwood, is making headlines as he prepares for the 2025 MLB draft. After a remarkable basketball season leading his team to the state tournament, he returned to pitching on April 23. His impressive stats include a 1.37 ERA and 54 strikeouts over 30.2 innings, demonstrating his potential as a top prospect. Appenzeller has gained national attention, ranked 58th by MLB.com among draft prospects, and is compared to Reid Detmers, a first-round pick in the MLB draft.

Appenzeller's powerful fastball peaked at 94 mph, complemented by a slider and changeup. His commitment to the University of Tennessee could provide a safety net should he choose to pursue college ball. With the MLB draft approaching, the next few weeks are pivotal for this promising talent.

As fantasy baseball draft season kicks off, identifying undervalued pitchers can significantly enhance your roster. Several players, currently undrafted or at the tail end of drafts, present intriguing value. Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs shows promise following a solid finish in 2024, boasting impressive strikeout rates and effective pitch performance. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer, despite aging concerns, retains his slider's effectiveness, presenting potential for strikeouts at a bargain ADP. Kris Bubic's transition from reliever to starter for the Kansas City Royals also opens avenues for late-round value, highlighted by his improved velocity and strikeout capabilities. Reid Detmers of the Angels, despite a rough 2024, shows promise as a high-strikeout pitcher. Finally, Cody Bradford, though currently on the IL, possesses skills worth tracking when healthy.

This week's analysis focuses on American League free agents, highlighting key players who could make significant impacts in fantasy baseball. Starting with Logan Allen of the Cleveland Guardians, he is regaining form and may secure a rotation spot after a strong spring. Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals showcased his potential with a solid K:BB ratio, while Carlos Carrasco of the Yankees raises concerns due to his declining performance. Reid Detmers and Jack Kochanowicz are potential candidates for the Angels' rotation, with Detmers being the more intriguing option. Additionally, Tigers' Jackson Jobe and Rangers' Kumar Rocker are highlighted for their considerable upside, promising a lot for fantasy managers. Keep an eye on these players as they could emerge as valuable assets.