The MLB July 31st trade deadline is in the record books. We saw big time players get dealt. Some of the more notable moves were Cole Hamels to the Rangers, Carlos Gomez to the Astros, and Yoenis Cespedes to the Mets, among others.
In August, trades take a different, more complex shape. Before a team can deal a player, he must pass through revocable waivers. Any team can place a claim for a player placed on waivers, and they must reach an agreement within 48 hours to deal him. If a player isn’t claimed in that time period, he can be traded to any team.
The waiver trade deadline is August 31st, though it isn’t really a deadline, as players can still be traded after it. However, those who are moved after the 31st are not eligible for inclusion on a playoff roster.
Now we’ve gone over how August trades work, let’s talk about the most likely candidates to be dealt during this trade period. Most of the players that are dealt in August are in their 30s, injury prone, or have big contracts that just don’t work for their current team.
Last August, we saw 15 players move, including Josh Willingham, Jonathan Broxton, and Alejandro De Aza.
Lets talk August trades:
Jose Reyes, SS, Colorado Rockies.
Jose Reyes was part of the deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto. This deal seemed to show that the Rockies’ sare about to start a rebuilding process, but now that they are free of Tulo’s huge contract, they may explore the possibility of getting rid of a 2-year, 48 million contract which, as each day passes, losses it’s value, as Reyes is an injury prone player and is 32 years old. The New York Mets are potential suitors for Reyes, as they need a boost at shortstop for the playoff race.
Coco Crisp, OF, Oakland Athletics.
The Athletics haven’t seen Coco Crisp for a while, as he just returned from the DL after being injured for most of the season. The A’s are no longer crazy for him, as they have had a brighter light this year coming from rookie Billy Burns. However, trading Coco is a bit complicated. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, but that doesn’t mean that the A’s can chew a big part of his contract if he gets traded. The Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs may look for Crisp during August.
Ian Kennedy, SP, San Diego Padres.
Kennedy hasn’t had the best year: he’s 6-9 with a 4.44 ERA. But his last 10 outings have shown some sparkle, as he’s compiled a 2.83 ERA over those starts. Kennedy will be traded only if a contender losses a pitcher to an injury down the stretch.
Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Milwaukee Brewers.
K-Rod has had a good year, with 24 saves and a 1.42 ERA. I only mention the 32 year old closer because we saw the Brewers dealing Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gomez in July, which may indicate the start of a rebuilding process for their farm system. K-Rod has still one year left in his contract, but the Brewers hold a club option for 2017. The Blue Jays have acquired LaTroy Hawkins to better their bullpen, but they could still make a move for Rodriguez.
David Phelps, SP/RP, Miami Marlins.
Phelps has worked as a reliever and a as starter for the Marlins, but over his 18 starts he holds a poor 4.35 ERA. Phelps may be moved to a team that needs some bullpen depth or needs a spot starter now and then. The Marlins have had a disappointing year, and should look to replenish for next season.
*Statistics as of August 5*
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
