Just like the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, Aug. 31 is a significant date for Major League clubs. Simply put, players acquired after tonight's 11:59 ET deadline are not eligible for the postseason.
Here is a quick primer explaining the Aug. 31 trade deadline, followed by the latest news and buzz around MLB as the deadline approaches.
What is it?
The Aug. 31 trade deadline is not the end of the waiver trade period. The rules for dealing players are the same as they are at any point after the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. A player placed on revocable trade waivers can be claimed by any club, at which point the player's team can decide to pull him back or work out a deal for him.
Why is it significant then?
The thing that makes the Aug. 31 deadline a date to remember for certain Major League clubs is the eligibility clause it triggers. Only players on 40-man rosters by Aug. 31 are eligible for the postseason, which means players need to be acquired by contenders by that date.
MLB BUZZ: THE LATEST
Source: Tigers actively shopping Verlander
The Tigers are making it clear that they are interested in a complete rebuild and are actively shopping Justin Verlander, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. Morosi reports the Astros have remained in contact with Detroit regarding the former Cy Young Award winner.
Verlander is having a difficult season at age 34, and he's guaranteed more than $56 million through 2019. But he's also just a year removed from a second-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting, and still competes as hard as ever.
Verlander has cleared waivers, which means he can be dealt freely if Detroit chooses to trade him. The Tigers have been rumored to be shopping Verlander for some time, and already unloaded one of their larger contracts on Thursday when they traded slugger Justin Upton to the Angels.
Verlander has a full no-trade clause in his contract.
Cozart staying put in Cincinnati
Reds shortstop Zack Cozart is an example of an impending free agent who could certainly help a contender. But it appears he will be staying in Cincinnati, at least for now.
This according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, who reported taht the Reds pulled back their 32-year-old shortstop after he was recently claimed on waivers. It is likely that a team claimed Cozart simply to block him from other contenders. Cozart is enjoying a career year, hitting .309/.402/.556 with a career-high 17 home runs.
JA trade not Happ-ening
One starting pitcher who definitely won't be on the move is Blue Jays left-hander JA Happ. Heyman reports that Happ was claimed on waivers as a block, meaning he cannot be traded. Happ has struggled this season, especially compared to last, but there are so many contenders that it makes sense that at least one wouldn't want a lefty with his talent being moved, possibly to a rival.