Several players could be dealt this week
While most think of Major League Baseball’s July 31 non-waiver deadline as the “trade deadline” proper, teams can complete trades through waivers until Aug. 31 for a player to be eligible for the postseason with their new club.
Impact players are on the move in August. Look no further than the Astros, whose trade for Justin Verlander proved to be key to their World Series title last year.
While the Cubs’ acquisition of Daniel Murphy from the Nationals last week has been the biggest move this month, a handful of marquee names could be traded before Friday’s deadline.
Here’s a look at some players who could be on the move in the coming days.
Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays: Expected to be the biggest non-Manny Machado bat available this summer, Donaldson has played in 36 games and has been out since May 28. He’s expected to start a rehab assignment this week, which the rest of the league will be watching closely. Donaldson is owed more than $4 million for the remainder of the season, and that could scare off some teams that might otherwise claim him when he’s put on waivers. Donaldson will need some time and rest as he recovers, but adding him, particularly if he could DH for an American League contender, could pay off.
Josh Harrison, IF, Pirates: Pittsburgh was a buyer at the non-waiver trade deadline but could be inclined to sell before the end of August. The versatile Harrison has been banged up but could be a big acquisition. He reportedly cleared waivers and he’s due $22 million over the next two years, but they are both team options with a total buyout of $1.5 million.
Gio Gonzalez, LHP, Nationals: Washington already unloaded Murphy and Matt Adams this month, and Gonzalez, a free agent after this season, could be the next to go. The 32-year-old has struggled for a few months (1-9, 6.49 ERA in last 14 starts) but turned in a good outing his last time out. He would be a good pickup for a team looking to add some depth into October.
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Giants: A free agent at the end of the year, McCutchen reportedly cleared waivers last week. He’s not the player he was a few years ago, but the 31-year-old still has some power and speed and would be quite valuable in September and the postseason. It’s unlikely the Giants would deal him to the rival Dodgers, but the Indians, who are still trying to figure out their outfield puzzle, could be a good fit.
Curtis Granderson, OF, Blue Jays: It could be the second August in a row that Granderson is dealt, after the Mets traded him to the Dodgers ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline last year. Granderson is also the cheapest player on this list, and his .784 OPS against righties makes him an ideal platoon player.