The true MLB trade deadline has passed already, but the waiver deadline is not here yet and players like James Shields, Matt Kemp, Chase Utley and Ian Kennedy could still be options for teams, including the Chicago Cubs, NY Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Orioles if the San Diego Padres or Phillies want to make moves.
The Padres were a team that everyone thought would be selling at the deadline, but San Diego kept their big names through the July 31 date. According to Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe, the Padres could still move players, as the team has placed Matt Kemp and James Shields on waivers. The Phillies are also a team that could continue making deals, as Chase Utley has just returned from an injury and could be a target for teams with needs in the infield.
The Padres did not make major moves and Ken Rosenthal later reported for Fox Sports that GM AJ Preller felt that the team could still make the playoffs. San Diego is not mathematically eliminated yet, but they would have to play some really good baseball to make it. The team is more likely to consider trades again if there are claims on Kemp or Shields and at this point it's unlikely Justin Upton gets moved.
Shields signed a free agent deal over the offseason and is still owed over $60 million on the next three years of his contract. The Yankees did not get a pitcher at the deadline like they wanted and they are a team to watch, according to MLB Daily Dish at SB Nation. The Yankees are looking like division champs, but with 13 games left against the much improved Blue Jays, nothing is certain. The Jays added Troy Tulowitzki and David Price this year ay the deadline and they could be a force down the stretch.
Chase Utley is another name to watch and according to Hardball Talk, he is back with the Phillies after dealing with an injury. The Cubs reportedly are interested in Utley, according to Hardball Talk, while the Angels and Giants also could be interested. The Giants have Joe Panik injured for the moment and could consider making a move, but his injury did not turn out to be too serious. Utley has veto power on trades and he comes in hitting below .200 for the season.
CC Sabathia has looked better and Masahiro Tanaka has not been back on the DL, but with Michael Pineda out for August, the Yankees could consider a move. The Yankees brought up Luis Severino and while the prospect looked good, the team may want a veteran to help in the playoffs. Shields has pitched in big games in the past and he helped the Royals get to the World Series last season.
Shields comes in with an 8-4 record this season and a 3.74 ERA and he can eat innings for teams down the stretch and in the playoffs. Shields has 152 strikeouts this season in 139 innings, but his contract is going to make a deal tough for the Padres. According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, teams "believe that Shields will go unclaimed" on waivers for the Padres.
Check here for more on potential deals at the waiver trading deadline.
