The MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and while there was a noticeable shortage of impact deals, a flurry of activity still took place on Tuesday.
The Houston Astros arguably made the biggest splash by Justin Verlander from the New York Mets, who were unexpected sellers at the deadline this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers had interest in Verlander but his no-trade clause and desire to return to Houston were among complicating factors.
David Robertson, Max Scherzer, Mark Canha and Tommy Pham were also traded by the Mets as they waived the proverbial white flag on their 2023 season.
In addition to Verlander, the Dodgers had interest in Eduardo Rodriguez, only for the left-hander to block his trade from the Detroit Tigers due to family reasons.
The Dodgers were among 10 teams on Rodriguez’s no-trade list.
MLB trades after deadline
Among the handful of tweaks that found their way to MLB at the start of the 2019 season included the elimination of the August waiver trade deadline.
Such a rule figures to all but eliminate the possibility of another blockbuster trade coming to fruition now that the deadline has passed.
However, the possibility for further player movement still exists. While teams are no longer permitted to deal from their Major League roster, trades involving Minor Leaguers are still considered legal.
Players currently signed to Minor League contracts are eligible to be traded from now through the conclusion of the World Series. Though, this only applies to such players who have not been promoted to an active Major League roster at any point this season.
Other restrictions include players currently on a 40-man roster or the 60-day injured list. Those that fall under these categories cannot be traded under any circumstances.
Likewise, players that are signed to Major League contracts but have not appeared above the Minor League level this season are not eligible to be traded either.
Teams can also look to add players that are designated for assignment and placed on waivers — the only difference being they cannot do so via trade.
Players with over five years of MLB experience that clear waivers essentially control their own destiny. They can refuse a Minor League outright assignment, elect free agency and sign with any team they desire.
Additional player movement is possible through waiver claims. Should a player be claimed, the claiming team will be responsible for taking on the remainder of that player’s salary.
Moreover, teams can still add to their roster via international or independent league signings.
Despite all of the rule changes, one constant remains in place: any trade or roster change must be completed before the 8:59 p.m. PT deadline on August 31 for a player to be deemed postseason-eligible.
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