Today’s deadline is called the “non-waiver” trade deadline, which we often refer to colloquially as simply, “Trade Deadline.” It comes at 3pm CT today, and it is something of a holiday in the baseball world. You probably noticed.
But what’s that “non-waiver” part about? Well, it’s defined in part by its contrast to the “waiver” trade period that comes next month, and we’ll get more into that very complicated set of rules when that period actually opens up. For today, let’s keep this deadline simple.
The reason today’s deadline is called the “non-waiver” trade deadline is because it is the final day on which teams can make trades without having to go through the waiver process – a layered procedure that can dramatically cut down on the ability of teams to easily make trades. Although trades can and do occur in August (and September, for that matter), today’s deadline is considered the “Trade Deadline” because it tends to be the final day of the regular season during which you see lots and lots of trade activity. There is another deadline next month, but it is far less glamorous, and we’ll get there when we get there.
So, against that backdrop, prepare yourself for the Trade Deadline at 3pm CT today. Things happened throughout this month, but much more will happen today around the league. It’s pretty much a lock.