MLB Waiver Wire: Biggest Names Still on the Market

Sure, the August 31 waiver trade deadline does not have the same drama or intrigue as the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but there are still players out there who can be moved who will impact the MLB postseason race.

A lot of the moves you see before August 31 are small, roster-filling moves, though sometimes under-the-radar deals can make all the difference when you are chasing the playoffs.

Here is a look at the biggest names still available on the waiver-wire market.

Joe Saunders, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

It seemed inevitable that of anyone in the Arizona starting rotation to get moved, Saunders would be the odd man out. He is signed to a one-year deal and is not very good, and with Tyler Skaggs set to make his major league debut on Wednesday, Saunders has become expendable.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Diamondbacks have placed Saunders on waivers with hopes of moving him before August 31.

Saunders has not had a terrible year, with an ERA of 4.22 in 130 innings. He does give up a lot of fly balls, so he will have to go to a big park to avoid completely imploding, but teams are always looking for pitching depth.

Plus, the fact that a team would only be responsible for the final month of his contract has to add some appeal to a potential deal.

Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs

Not that it should come as a surprise, but according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Alfonso Soriano cleared waivers and can be dealt to anyone before August 31.

Of course, there are a number of other hurdles that would have to be cleared before Soriano is traded. The Cubs would likely have to eat a lot of the $38-plus million he has left on his contract. He would also have to agree to a trade as a 10-and-5 player, which doesn't seem likely.

Heyman's report lists the Giants as the most logical suitor, but he also says that Soriano told the Cubs he would reject a trade to San Francisco.

Soriano's name is still out there, but don't expect any movement in the next 10 days.

Carlos Marmol, RP, Chicago Cubs

Like Soriano, Marmol has cleared waivers, according to the Heyman report. He is an interesting case, because he does have the ability to strike a lot of people out.

Unfortunately, Marmol also has no control over any pitch he throws and can implode in a hurry. He has gotten his ERA down to 4.12 after a dreadful start to the season, but his 8.01 BB/9 IP doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

Marmol also comes with a $9.8 million price tag next season. That said, there are often teams willing to overpay for relievers if they can miss bats. Again, don't expect Marmol to be dealt, but he is out there for the taking. 

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