Possible MLB Trades Include Yankees, Indians Adding Hitters Before 2018 Playoffs

MLB trades are more difficult to make after the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but that hasn’t stopped playoff contenders from adding quality players. The Oakland Athletics have acquired both Fernando Rodney and Mike Fiers in recent days, and the Philadelphia Phillies traded for Justin Bour Friday afternoon.

With more moves likely on the way, let’s take a look at a couple of trades that could happen before the Aug. 31 waiver deadline.

Josh Donaldson to the Cleveland Indians

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins admitted there was plenty of interest in Donaldson before the July 31 deadline. Now that the third baseman is getting closer to returning to the field and likely to clear waivers, he could soon be on his way out. Toronto isn’t likely to re-sign him as a free agent this winter, and they’ve already traded veterans like J.A. Happ and Roberto Osuna.

Cleveland didn’t add the impactful infield bat that they were pursuing last month. Adrian Beltre could be an option, but he might use his no-trade clause to block a deal. Donaldson could be the kind of game-changer the Indians need to compete for the World Series. Even though they are headed toward another AL Central title, the Indians have been a tier below the AL’s top three teams— the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Houston Astros—for most of the season.

Donaldson is hitting .234/.333/.423 in 36 games. He hit at least 33 home runs with no worse than a .939 OPS in each of the previous three seasons.

Curtis Granderson to the New York Yankees

The Yankees tried to add an outfielder before August, but the team was unwilling to match the asking price for the crop of players that were available. Ten days later, Aaron Judge doesn’t appear to be much closer to returning from the disabled list and New York’s path to the World Series is a little more difficult. That could put the organization back in the market for a hitter as they look to secure a playoff spot over the next seven weeks.

New York was linked to a few outfielders before the deadline. Jose Bautista and Andrew McCutchen are still considered possible options, though Granderson might make the most sense because the Mets reportedly have interest in bringing back Bautista in 2019 and the Giants have yet to sell off any veterans. The Yankees and Blue Jays have already successfully completed one trade, and Granderson has proven that he can perform under the pressure that comes with being in a pennant race in New York City.

Granderson is hitting .235/.334/.419 in 91 games. He played in New York from 2010-2017.