Josh WIllingham Rumors: Yankees, Mariners interested in waiver trade

Jul 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Josh Willingham (16) is congratulated by third baseman Trevor Plouffe (24) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Josh Willingham (16) is congratulated by third baseman Trevor Plouffe (24) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB Trade deadline passed this year without the Minnesota Twins trading a player they seemed almost certain to move. Josh Willingham is a big bat that a few different contenders could use, but the Twins didn’t pull the trigger on a deal and he remains in Minnesota.

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Minnesota can now try to waive Willingham and see if it makes it through waivers but the fact that they pulled him back off the trade block before the deadline passed was an interesting move that may suggest they don’t want to trade him.

According to Jon Heyman from CBSSports.com, the Twins may end up waiving Josh Willingham which would very much please both the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees.

"Most (but not all) suggested he’d clear, based on the .219 batting average and 41 games missed earlier after being hit on the wrist with a pitch. He’s healthy and hitting better lately, so it’s possible he and his $7 million salary gets claimed. The Mariners and Yankees were among those interested."

There were rumors of Willingham getting claimed before the non-waiver deadline passed but at the end of the day, the Twins couldn’t find a trade for him. Minnesota has made plenty of waiver trades in the past though which means moving Willingham in August is a distinct possibility for the Twins.

Be sure to stay glued to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumbling from the baseball hot stove this trade season.