MLB Trade Rumors: Indians, Rangers, Giants Could Make Deals After 2018 Non-Waiver Deadline

MLB trades are much harder to complete now that the July 31 deadline has passed, but it doesn’t mean deals can’t be made. Teams still have until Aug. 31 to acquire players that can be eligible for the playoffs.

Players can be traded to any team once they go unclaimed on waivers for two days. A player can also be traded to a team that claims him. If multiple teams claim a player, the one with the worst record is awarded the claim.

Justin Verlander was the centerpiece of the most notable post-July 31 trade in recent years. The starting pitcher went unclaimed last year because of the $65 million he was owed through 2019. After being dealt to the Houston Astros shortly before the calendar turned to September, Verlander became the most important player for the eventual World Series champions.

It’s highly unlikely that a player of Verlander’s caliber will be dealt within the next month, though a couple of big names still have a chance to join contenders.

Adrian Beltre might have to be at the top of the list after the Texas Rangers decided not to move him Tuesday. The third baseman drew interest from the Atlanta Braves, though it’s unknown if the veteran would waive his no-trade clause for such a trade. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi listed the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros as possible teams that Beltre would agree to join.

Boston made sense as a trade partner for Texas because of the injury to Rafael Devers, though the team did trade for infielder Ian Kinsler Monday night. Cleveland seems like a more likely destination, given that they didn’t acquire an infielder and would have waiver priority over the Red Sox.

Cleveland expressed interested in acquiring Andrew McCutchen from the San Francisco Giants before trading for Detroit Tigers’ outfielder Leonys Martin. It wouldn’t be surprising to see McCutchen go to another team at some point during the next few weeks.

Still somewhat within striking distance of first place, the Giants decided not to be sellers Tuesday. They trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by five games in the NL West. San Francisco could quickly fall out of the race since they also need to surpass the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The New York Yankees expressed interested in McCutchen, according to Morosi, but the team ultimately found the price too high. They expect Aaron Judge to return from the disabled list within the next few weeks. Perhaps the Yankees will be more aggressive in trying to add McCutchen or another outfielder if their best player doesn’t come back as quickly as they expect.

McCutchen hasn’t performed like the MVP candidate he was for years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s hitting .256/.353/.413 in his first season with the Giants.

Beltre has played in 75 games because of a stint on the disabled list. He’s hitting .287/.339/.396 at 39 years old.