MLB trade rumors: 5 players who should move after deadline

The MLB trade deadline does not signal a complete end to all deals, and these players may still get dealt.

The July 31 MLB trade deadline signals an end to most of the wheeling and dealing around the league, but trades can still be made in August under the right circumstances. Teams first place their player on revocable waivers where they can be claimed by each of the remaining 29 MLB teams. When a player is claimed, a team has a few options. They can work out a trade with the claiming team within 48 hours or pull the player back from waivers and keep him. If a player clears waivers, he can then be traded to any team in the league.

There is a degree of creativity required to complete a trade through waivers, but a few minor deals are typically made each season. An injury can force teams to look to the trade market down the stretch. Platoon bats and relievers are also typically moved this way. It is rare that a big star is moved after the deadline, but it can occasionally happen if the contract is large enough to deter the rest of the league from putting in a claim.

These don’t have to be blockbuster trades to have a large impact on the playoff race. The American League is especially bunched up this season, and one key trade could be enough to decide the second Wild Card. These five waiver-wire candidates could help shape the rest of the playoff race.

5. Andrew Cashner

Andrew Cashner never quite lived up to the hype with the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins and was forced to take a one-year deal last winter with an eye on rebuilding some of his value. He has done just that for the Texas Rangers. Cashner is 7-8 with a 3.36 ERA in 18 starts. How he is getting there has been interesting to watch.

Cashner has one of the lowest strikeout rates of the past two decades this year at 4.6 per nine. He is also walking 3.6 per nine, but has been incredibly stingy with the longball. Cashner has only one bad month on the year — June where he pitched to a 1-3 record with a 6.14 ERA. He is relying on his sinker and pitching to contact. There is plenty of luck involved, as Cashner has held opponents to a .169/.245/.202 line with runners in scoring position, but his formula has worked this year. He is 4-1 with a 2.20 ERA in his last five outings and is also getting a few more strikeouts.

The Rangers may have a difficult time getting Cashner through waivers given how well he has been pitching and his rental status. In this position, however, Texas should be more than happy to deal him to any contender willing to give up a prospect or international bonus money.