The MLB trade deadline has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean roster movement and activity during August will be completely non-existent.
MLB trades in August are still permitted so long as the players involved meet a specific criteria and set of circumstances.
If not a trade, another way for player movement after the MLB trade deadline is through waiver claims.
MLB trades and player movement in August
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 an option.
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 while under their current Minor League deal.
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 were 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.
MLB postseason eligibility rule
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 Aug. 31 for a player to be deemed postseason-eligible.
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