Everything you need to know about the 2023 Trade Deadline
With the 2023 Trade Deadline fast approaching, here's everything you need to know.
What time is the MLB Trade Deadline?
• When is the MLB Trade Deadline? For 2023, it is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. ET.
• For many years, the Deadline was always on July 31 at 4 p.m. ET. The Commissioner's Office can now set the Deadline for any date between July 28 and Aug. 3, in an effort to avoid conflicting with games.
What is the MLB Trade Deadline?
• The Trade Deadline is the last point during the season at which players on 40-man rosters can be traded from one club to another. Those players may still be placed and claimed on outright waivers, but trades will no longer be permitted after Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. ET. Prior to 2019, July 31 was referred to as the non-waiver Trade Deadline, and players could be traded after that date if they first cleared revocable trade waivers. The August waiver trade period was eliminated in 2019, with MLB moving to a single Deadline.
• Minor Leaguers not on 40-man rosters can still be traded after the Deadline. However, any player must be in an organization by the end of Aug. 31 (whether on the 40-man roster or not) in order to be eligible to appear in the postseason for that club.
Read more here.
Where can I follow MLB Trade Deadline news?
• News and rumors: Stay up to date on all the latest Trade Deadline rumblings here.
• Deadline tracker: Follow along with every trade made prior to the Deadline here.
Who are the top trade candidates?
Here are just some of the notable players who have been discussed in trade rumors leading up to the Deadline:
• Starting Pitchers: Dylan Cease (White Sox), Blake Snell (Padres), Eduardo Rodriguez (Tigers), Marcus Stroman (Cubs)
• Relief Pitchers: Josh Hader (Padres), David Bednar (Pirates), Giovanny Gallegos (Cardinals), Alex Lange (Tigers), Scott Barlow (Royals) Brooks Raley (Mets), Jason Foley (Tigers)
• Position players: Juan Soto (Padres OF), Tyler O'Neill (Cardinals OF), Dylan Carlson (Cardinals OF), Lane Thomas (Nationals OF), Tim Anderson (White Sox SS), Teoscar Hernández (Mariners OF)
What are the key storylines to watch?
• Another major seller? Two high-profile clubs with high expectations, the Cardinals and Mets, have already joined the list of sellers by moving significant pieces off their rosters. Now the question is whether another club in a similar position, the Padres, will join them or try to make a late run to the postseason. Or will a surprise seller decide to shake things up in the final hours?
• More big moves for surprise teams? The Rangers already have made multiple moves to bolster their playoff chances, including landing Max Scherzer from the Mets. Will another team that has exceeded expectations in 2023 follow suit? The Orioles, Reds, D-backs and Marlins all could be candidates to pull off something dramatic.
• Non-rentals on the move? Most Trade Deadline acquisitions are rentals -- players who can become free agents at the end of this season. Those with club control beyond 2023, especially young players, are more attractive to buyers, but also more expensive. That's why it's worth watching a player such as Cease of the White Sox, a 27-year-old righty with No. 1 starter ability who isn't slated to reach free agency until after the 2025 season. If he or someone similar were to be included in a trade, it would be a blockbuster.
The biggest Trade Deadline deals so far
You can find info on every trade in this article, but here are the five most significant swaps that have been completed in the final week before the Deadline.
1. Astros acquire RHP Justin Verlander from Mets for OF Drew Gilbert and OF Ryan Clifford (Aug. 1). Full story >>
2. Rangers acquire RHP Max Scherzer from Mets for INF Luisangel Acuña (July 29). Full story >>
3. Angels acquire RHPs Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López from White Sox for LHP Ky Bush and C Edgar Quero (July 26). Full story >>
4. Dodgers acquire RHP Lance Lynn and RHP Joe Kelly from White Sox for RHP Nick Nastrini, RHP Jordan Leasure and OF Trayce Thompson (July 28). Full story >>
5. Rangers acquire LHP Jordan Montgomery, RHP Chris Stratton and international bonus pool money from Cardinals for SS Thomas Saggese, RHP Tekoah Roby and LHP John King (July 30). Full story >>