MLB trade deadline rumors: biggest questions ahead
Bob Nightengale breaks down the biggest trade deadline questions as contenders and sellers weigh their next moves.
The wait is almost over. After months of speculation, Major League Baseball’s trade market is entering its final hours.
Contenders are searching for the pieces that could change a pennant race, while teams on the fringe must decide whether to buy, sell or hold.
With the MLB trade deadline arriving Monday at 6 p.m. ET, blockbuster deals, surprise moves and last-minute bidding wars could reshape the playoff picture in an instant.
Here’s everything you need to know before the deadline arrives.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
Teams must have their trade details finalized and submitted to the league office by the deadline in order for any acquired players to be eligible for the playoffs. After that, players on 40-man rosters can’t be traded.
- When: Monday, Aug. 3
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
Can players be traded after the deadline?
No. The deadline is firm. It used to be softer. Before 2019, July 31 was only the non-waiver deadline, and players could still change teams in August by clearing waivers. That back door is closed now.
Are players traded at the deadline eligible for the playoffs?
Yes. Anyone traded before the buzzer is fully eligible for the postseason with his new team. A player dealt at 5:59 p.m. on Aug. 3 can start Game 1 of the World Series.
Rarely have the top 25 targets at Major League Baseball’s trade deadline been so fluid.
So, let’s do it again.
After undertaking this exercise last week, we’ve shuffled the deck and revised our list of the most top players who could be on the move by the deadline, based on their possible impact, the likelihood of their availability and the fit of their contracts.