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Explaining the MLB's August Waiver Deadline

By Jerry Trotta

World Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Houston Astros - Game Four
World Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Houston Astros - Game Four / Bob Levey/Getty Images

The July 31 non-waiver trade deadline always formulated a flurry of transactions on the market, despite 2019's surprisingly lackluster display. Thanks to fluctuating waivers, however, the game's contenders still had one more month to add appropriate pieces before the postseason.

That was before the offseason changes ahead of the 2019 campaign, though. The August waiver trade window was effectively neutralized by commissioner Rob Manfred and Co. last winter, thereby making the July 31 deadline the FINAL day to acquire assets via trade from here on out.

There's no doubting that this alteration is going to take some getting used to. And with that in mind, let's take a closer look at MLB's August waiver deadline.

Explaining the August Waiver Deadline

The high-profile waiver claim will be as prevalent as ever in the final month and a half of summer. Franchises will eventually place a player(s) on waivers with the hope that a postseason-aspirational organization will claim them and take on the remainder of their hefty salaries.

We normally see clubs cut ties with disposable vets signed to lucrative deals that are set to hit free agency upon the season's conclusion.

A perfect example who could be on the move is Miami Marlins second baseman Starlin Castro, who is slashing a woeful .247/.275/.356. However, the four-time All-Star is just a season removed from logging a .278/.329/.400 line.

A move away from the lowly Marlins could be exactly what Castro needs to rejuvenate his season. The 29-year-old infielder is in the final year of the seven-year, $60 million deal he signed with the Cubs back in 2012 and he has a $16 mil club option for next season. Therefore, Miami would absolutely welcome the salary relief with open arms -- a potential win-win for both parties.

While there theoretically is no 'deadline' to pick player up on waivers, in order for them to be eligible for the postseason a move must be made by Aug. 31.

There you have it folks. We may not enjoy the new rule but it doesn't mean that players wont be on the move in the weeks to come!