Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team should pursue these 3 August trades

How do August trades work?

First, it’s important to note that the July 31st deadline is the non-waiver trade deadline. Up until July 31st, players do not need to pass through revocable waivers in order to be dealt.

Once 4 P.M. on July 31st passes, things change. In order to make a trade, the following steps must be followed:

1. The player must be placed on revocable waivers. This only applies to Major League players. While the player is on waivers, the 29 other teams have the ability to submit a claim. If multiple teams submit a claim, then the team with the worst record gets the claim. If two teams in different leagues submit a claim, then the team in the same league as the team whose player is on waivers will get the claim. Simply put, the waiver order goes from 14-1 in one league, then 15-1 in the other league.
2. If the player is claimed, then the two teams have 48 hours to make a trade. If the team decides against making a deal with the claiming team, then the player must be pulled off of waivers, and cannot be dealt for the remainder of the season. If the team decides against making a trade but doesn’t have any desire to retain the player on waivers, then the claiming team will acquire the player and his entire salary. Obviously, there’s quite a bit of risk involved.
3. If 48 hours pass without a trade, then the player has successfully passed through revocable waivers. The players roster status doesn’t change, but now he can be dealt to any team in the same matter as any other trade. This is in affect until September 1st.

It might sound complicated, but it really isn’t. The Cubs have made dozens of August trades in the past, including Fernando Rodney in 2015, and Leonys Martin in 2017.

Now, let’s dive into three trades that the Cubs should consider over the next two weeks.