5 second-tier starters who could help contenders

Jun 26, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals made a big splash by dealing for starting pitcher Johnny Cueto from the Reds, giving them an established number-one starter for their postseason run. However, teams don’t necessarily need to acquire a bona fide ace to give their rotations a substantial boost.

Names like Cole Hamels and David Price may be generating most of the headlines and discussion prior to the MLB trade deadline, but there are a plethora of other starting pitchers who should be able to provide significant value to contending teams for a much more reasonable price.

Let’s take a look at five starters who aren’t quite brand-name aces but could conceivably be moved by the deadline. The second rung on the talent ladder still has plenty of intriguing options for clubs scouring the market.

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