It will be the most unique trade deadline in Major League Baseball history on Aug. 31. Expanded playoffs mean there are fewer sellers at the deadline. There are no minor league games to scout prospects. Teams will be about 30 games into their season.
Then there’s the biggest factor: There is no guarantee that the sport can complete a postseason amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Add it all up and there is a lot of uncertainty about what types of trades will be made before the deadline. The Cincinnati Reds were 1.5 games out of a playoff spot entering Friday, but they are looking for ways to add to their roster.