Cleveland Indians: 4 impacts the trade deadline had on the Tribe

3 of 4

TORONTO, ON – MAY 23: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after being called out on strikes in the third inning during MLB game action against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Rogers Centre on May 23, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

3. There’s still waivers

The Indians did come away with a big-time player, but it doesn’t mean that’s the end of the discussion.

The last two years, the Tribe’s made moves following the July 31 deadline.

Fox SportsTime Ohio analyst Jensen Lewis foreshadowed hours before the deadline that big move wouldn’t happen by cautioning fans the Tribe could still be in for a big name come August.

A word of caution to #Indians fans:

Just because a “major” trade doesn’t happen before 4pm, doesn’t mean a MAJOR move isn’t on the horizon. BIG names will be on waivers (Harper, McCutchen, Donaldson, etc) in a week or so.. big deal can still go down in August
— Jensen Lewis (@JLEWFifty) July 31, 2018

Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen and Josh Donaldson all stayed with their respective teams following the the 4 p.m. deadline.

The Indians, of course, made two huge moves after the July 31 deadline last season, acquiring both reliever Joe Smith, as well as right fielder Jay Bruce.

So, how does a waiver trade work?

A team can waive a player at any time, but after July 31, a player who is to be traded must be placed on waivers. That isn’t the case before July 31.

Teams desiring the player then can make a waiver claim. Of course, multiple teams can submit a claim, so the team with the weakest record in the waived players league gets preference.

The good thing about all those blown losses from the bullpen? The Indians have the weakest record among the teams contending for an AL playoff spot. The Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, Mariners and A’s would all be behind the Indians in line.

Home/Cleveland Guardians