No matter how much baseball changes, the value of the top tier of starting pitchers is undeniable. So, let's take a look at the top starters in baseball, with some of my opinion included but mostly based on thoughts from scouts and front office executives I polled going into the season.

Marlins star Sandy Alcantara is seen as the ace most likely to hit the trade market. But several other solid-to-excellent starters could potentially be dealt. Here’s a (very) early list of the best possibilities. (We’ll assume the Padres contend, so Dylan Cease and Michael King don’t make this list):