4 Surprising MLB Names That Could Be Moved on Waivers
The MLB trade deadline may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean teams can't improve their roster over the next month.
With August comes the revocable waiver period. Teams can attempt to pass their players through all 29 teams, which would make said player eligible to be traded to any interested team. If a player is claimed, then his team has the option of pulling him back, which would make him ineligible to be traded, or to trade/release him to the team that made the original claim. The August waiver period gives teams the opportunity to make one final deal, shed payroll or lay the groundwork for a potential trade in the offseason.
While players like Chase Utley and Marlon Byrd are likely candidates to be moved through the waiver system, we'll take a look at some names that could surprisingly be included in an August deal.
Could James Shields or Hanley Ramirez be wearing a different uniform in the near future? Will a team be willing to take on Brandon Phillips' salary?
Those are just a few of the players we'll discuss over the next few slides. Let's get started and don't forget—let your voices be heard in the comments section below.
Brandon Phillips
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The Cincinnati Reds committed to a rebuild by trading the likes of Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake at the deadline. That roster overhaul could continue in August with veteran second baseman Brandon Phillips.
Phillips, of course, has his flaws. For one, he's pegged to make $27 million over the next two seasons. He's also nowhere near the player he was in 2011 when he slashed .300/.353/.457. At 34, Phillips has an unfavorable combination of eroding skills and a hefty price tag.
While that makes Phillips unattractive to most clubs, it pretty much ensures he'll clear waivers. That will allow the Reds to work out a deal with a team of their choosing.
Cincinnati's dance partners will be few and far between. There are few teams in baseball in need of a second baseman that have the financial flexibility to take on Phillips' remaining contract. The New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets all have needs at that position and could get involved in a deal with the Reds.
Phillips may not be the player he once was, but he's actually in the midst of a fairly good 2015 season. He's hitting .284, has stolen 16 bases and remains a dependable fielder. He can help a contender poised for a playoff push, even if he comes with some undesirable baggage.
The chances of Cincinnati finding the right deal while restricted by the waiver period? Very slim. But contenders with holes at second will be more inclined to trade with the Reds now than in the winter, especially if general manager Walt Jocketty is willing to pick up some of Phillips' tab.
Jose Reyes
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By trading Troy Tulowitzki and listening to offers on Carlos Gonzalez, the Colorado Rockies aren't shying away from what looks like yet another rebuilding process.
If that's the case, shortstop Jose Reyes becomes a likely candidate to be moved this offseason. But if the Rockies are willing to flip Reyes this winter, why not expedite the process and find a deal for him during the waiver period?
Like Phillips, money is a huge issue facing a potential Reyes trade. The 32-year-old is owed $44 million over the next two seasons and has played in 140 or more games just twice since 2007. An enormous financial commitment for a player that can't stay on the field? That won't be an easy sell for the Rockies.
But if healthy, Reyes can still contribute to a contender in need of some speed to balance out their lineup. He stole 30 bags in 2014 and has swiped 18 this far in 76 games this season. Reyes still doesn't strike out much, which would come in handy against power pitching come playoff time.
Reyes is likely to clear waivers, giving the Rockies more trade partners to work with on a potential deal. With a multitude of shortstops in the minor leagues, including first-round pick Brendan Rodgers and the near-ready Trevor Story, Jeramiah Penaflor of BSNDenver.com believes Colorado should be willing to eat up to half of Reyes' contract:
"It’s not often when an aging player and his high priced contract are a blessing. However in Reyes case, it could be the Rockies saving grace. If and when the Rockies place Reyes on waivers it’s highly unlikely a team will claim Reyes due to his high price tag. If Reyes slips through waivers, the Rockies will be free to negotiate with any team. It’s likely the Rockies would have to eat a good chunk of Reyes contract for any deal to work. Even if the Rockies have to eat half of the contract, does it really matter if she gets the living room furniture in the divorce?
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Colorado has the option of hanging on to Reyes in hopes Coors Field inflates his numbers and drives up his value for an offseason deal. But if (when) he does clear waivers, expect Colorado to be willing to partake in trade discussions.
Hanley Ramirez
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It hasn't been long, but the Boston Red Sox seem to have made two of the biggest mistakes of the 2014 free agency period in Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Now after a rough 2015, the Red Sox seem to be exploring a trade for one of their newest acquisitions.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Boston Red Sox placed a handful of players on waivers this week. The biggest name on that list is none other than Ramirez.
The Red Sox signed Ramirez to a four-year, $88 million deal this winter, and he's done what he was signed to do: hit. Although it's been a down year, Ramirez has hit 19 homers and driven in 51 runs in 95 games.
However, Ramirez hasn't been able to tame the Green Monster in left field, costing the Red Sox 17 defensive runs in the outfield this season.
But as B/R's own Anthony Witrado mentioned earlier this week, Ramirez is an elite offensive talent when he's right and still has value because of his bat:
"Once Ramirez clears, the Red Sox could opt to eat a good portion of his deal to move him. When healthy, Ramirez can still be an elite kind of hitter as he showed in April—.999 OPS, 10 homers—and June—.338/.377/.479, .855 OPS—and that could draw interest from a contender willing to take on some of his money.
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Ramirez's value would improve with a return to the infield, but with his path blocked in Boston, a trade makes the most sense. Teams in need of offense with deep pockets will at least consider putting in a claim for Ramirez, despite his baggage.
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James Shields
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San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller made an eye-opening decision to hold on to his tradable assets at the deadline, hoping to make a dramatic run at a Wild Card spot over the final two months of the season.
But as of today, San Diego has a 1.1 percent chance of making the playoffs according to FanGraphs. While Preller was hesitant to part with any of his players last month, he'll likely reconsider that stance as August progresses.
A high-profile Padre that could end up being moved this month is right-hander James Shields.
Shields signed a four-year, $75 million deal this winter, but he hasn't enjoyed his customary success during his first year in San Diego. The 33-year-old has a 3.74 ERA in 23 starts, and his walk rate has nearly doubled from 2014.
The right-hander will still be owed $63 million over the next three seasons, but an opt-out clause in his contract after the 2016 season could become a silver lining if Shields decides to test the free-agency waters once again.
"Shields does not have a no-trade clause, but he does have an opt-out after 2016, which could be enticing for teams aware of how particular Shields was about where he signed as a free agent last winter," said Cliff Corcoran of SI.com. "A rebound season in '16 could be enough to convince Shields to opt out, even with $44 million left on his deal."
There are still plenty of teams, like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, that could use a starting pitching upgrade. Shields hasn't been at his best in 2015, but he's a reliable innings-eater with playoff experience.
Whether he's claimed or not, Shields' name will continue to come up over the course of the next month in various trade rumors.
Stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of 8/7.
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