The MLB Trade Deadline has passed and the Hot Stove has cooled off. However, there's still some action around the league, especially with the waiver trade deadline on August 31st approaching. With that in mind, here are all the latest MLB rumors you need to know.
Mariners Active In Waiver Trade Period?
The Mariners sent out Wade Miley a few days before the deadline, but didn't make any major deals on the day of the deadline. However, the Mariners could be active during the waiver trade period, which ends August 31st.
"We’re going to have something on the market in August," general manager Jerry Dipoto told the News Tribune. "I guarantee there will be more activity throughout the league, and we’ll probably be at the center of that."
The Mariners nearly landed shortstop Zack Cozart from the Reds during deadline day, and the two sides could revisit a deal. However, it's unclear if Cozart, or any of the prospects involved, would clear through waivers. An offseason trade of Cozart could also be an option.
Puig's Future?
The Dodgers sent Yasiel Puig down to Triple-A to make room for Josh Reddick on the active roster, and the 25-year-old outfielder's future is in doubt. In fact, general manager Farhan Zaidi told the Orange County Register there's a possibility he never plays for the Dodgers again.
"I don’t want to handicap that situation," Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi said. "It certainly is a possibility. Beyond that, it’s just speculation."
There's also a chance the Dodgers trade Puig, either before the waiver deadline or in the offseason.
"Everything is on the table right now," Zaidi said. "We have discussions with almost every team about a lot of our players. So I wouldn’t want to single him out and talk about that."
After bursting onto the scene in 2013 with a .319 batting average, 19 home runs and a .925 OPS in 104 games, Puig's future looked bright. But he has regressed as a hitter since, with his average dropping to .260 and his OPS to .706. The Dodgers are hoping Puig can find his previous form in the minors, either so they can trade him or to have him take his place in the lineup once again.
Why Royals Stood Pat
The Royals had several trade pieces they could have dealt this deadline, but elected to stand pat (outside of a swap of Triple-A OFs with the Athletics). It was a bit of a surprise, but the Kansas City Star reports the team was never really close to making a deal.
"We just felt that we trust our players," general manager Dayton Moore said. "They’ve done an outstanding job getting us to a point where we’ve won, and we want to give them a chance to dig back out of this mess that we’re in."
Starter Edinson Volquez and DH Kendrys Morales could have been dealt, as they have value and are set to be free agents. Wade Davis and Luke Hochevar were options, although injuries ruined any chance of them getting dealt. Volquez and Morales could also be dealt during the waiver deadline period, although the Royals won't get as much back in a deal. Volquez could get the qualifying offer as well.
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