Among the procedural discussions that seems to get kicked around every year for a few days is whether MLB should push back it’s non-waiver trade deadline from July 31 to some point in August. In the two-Wild-Card era, it can take a little longer for the various contenders/non-contenders to stratify, mean that both sides would probably benefit from a couple extra weeks to decide whether to pull the trigger.
To that end, MLB is once again considering that possibility, but with a really significant twist:
At meetings this week, @MLB GMs expected to consider eliminating trade waivers and moving to a uniform trade deadline, possibly in mid-August. Change would require union approval. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 5, 2018
The waiver system in August severely limits the ability to make trades in that final month to get guys into the organization for purposes of a possible future playoff roster. And, in so doing, it ensures that there isn’t a deluge of mercenaries overwhelming a roster late in the year, totally changing the complexion of a playoff race AND making a club unrecognizable in the postseason. You can debate whether that’s a good thing or not, but that’s kinda the design.
The system splits the baby, though, by still allowing trades after the “non-waiver” deadline on July 31, so that certain types of trades can still go through, allowing teams to upgrade if injuries or other needs take hold. As a fan, I like it, because it keeps things on that front still a little exciting in August. As a buyer or a seller, though, I’m not sure I wouldn’t just prefer a total cutoff to all deals coming a little later than July 31.
And, apparently that’s what is under discussion. Very interesting. A very significant potential change with a number of unintended consequences, I’m sure.