It’s love it or list it season in MLB as the trade deadline fast approaches.
As the league’s 30 teams contemplate whether to buy, sell or stand pat, they’ll need to reach a decision — and soon. Some teams have opened up for business early, while other preferred to sleep in and ponder their path forward.
In many ways, deadline day is like the student that waited until the last day to start a project that would be due by 11:59 p.m.
But this year’s version won’t be as stressful, or hectic. In 2022, the deadline was filled with plenty of new faces in new places as big names across the league played a game of musical chairs. Yet the music in 2023 is much more quiet, if it’s even being played at all. There’s likely no one that reaches the level of Juan Soto available this year — unless the Padres shock everyone and move him again.
That means that contenders will likely roll out a similar rotation, bullpen and lineup from now until their season concludes. Though unlikely, there is still a chance that the action picks up as anything can happen before the clock runs out.
LIVE: Tracking all of the deals and rumors ahead of MLB trade deadline
So buckle up and enjoy the ride to the 2023 MLB trade deadline. The Sporting News will be there every step of the way and has you covered on what you need to know.
What time is the MLB trade deadline?
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 1
Time: 6 p.m. ET
The trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Think of it as the countdown on your favorite cooking show competition or a standardized test. Once the clock hits 6 p.m., it’s phones down.
Can MLB teams trade after the deadline?
As per usual, news of trades can trickle in after the 6 p.m. deadline, but they were already agreed to. Teams cannot negotiate beyond the deadline for the purpose of completing a trade, but they can obviously discuss everything else — from dinner plans to offseason transactions and everything in between.
Sometimes the deals we see hammered out in the offseason are a result of talks ahead of the in-season deadline. And since MLB no longer has the waiver trade deadline, those swaps will have to wait for the winter.
MORE: What to know about Shohei Ohtani’s upcoming free agency
MLB trade rumors: Potential trade targets
RHP Marcus Stroman, Cubs
Stroman headlines an underwhelming list of targets at the trade deadline in 2023. The Cubs starter got off to a great start in 2023, but has fallen off recently, posting an ERA of 7.99 in July. Regardless, he should still bring in a good haul if dealt. He has expressed a desire to remain playing home games at Wrigley Field, but it’s unclear whether that would be enough for the Cubbies to keep him around.
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, Tigers
The 30-year-old Rodriguez has experienced a career-year in Detroit this season and seems prepared to cash in this offseason, as a result. With an opt-out making free agency a near foregone conclusion, the Tigers seem willing to part with the lefty.
RHP Justin Verlander, Mets
The other big name at the top of the Mets rotation finds himself on the list of potential trade candidates. It’s unclear whether Verlander will accept a trade — he has a no-trade clause — but if a deal does happen, it would likely be because the Mets picked up most of his salary. Verlander, like Scherzer, hasn’t been in top form this season, but with starting pitching in demand, there’s a good chance some team will take a flier if made available.
3B Jeimer Candelario, Nationals
While the name doesn’t jump off the page, Candelario would be a solid addition to the lineup for any contender. The third baseman has put together a good year in the nation’s capital after a down 2022 in Detroit. The switch hitter could supply some depth and a quality bat for those important postseason at-bats.
MORE: Who could the Cardinals trade at the deadline? Nolan Arenado rumors add intrigue
LHP Josh Hader, Padres
One year after a blockbuster trade sent him to San Diego, Hader once again finds himself potentially on the move as the deadline nears. He has returned to form in 2023 after experiencing a rocky start with the Padres — pitching to an ERA below one. Despite being a rental, a contender will likely be willing to pay the hefty price a closer with his talent would command.
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