Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence, Ryan Dempster and Jonathan Broxton were all traded on a busy July 31st. But many others weren’t moved despite considerable speculation. The fate of these players will be closely tied to their contract status, as is often the case in MLB.
Josh Johnson, Matt Garza, Justin Upton, Justin Masterson, Josh Willingham, James Shields, Chase Headley, Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Vargas are under contract or team control for 2013 (and in some cases beyond). These players probably won’t clear waivers, so it’d be a surprise if they’re traded in August or September. But teams could revisit trades involving these players in the offseason. It won’t be surprising if Garza, Upton, Shields and Headley are available this winter.
Cliff Lee, Josh Beckett and Alfonso Soriano are all under contract for at least two years after 2012 at no less than $15.75MM per season. Lee ($25MM per season through ’15), Beckett ($15.75MM per season through ’14) and Soriano ($18MM per season thorough ’14) could all clear waivers. So could Justin Morneau, who will earn $14MM in 2013. If these players do clear waivers, they’d be available in August trades.
Joe Blanton and Stephen Drew are nearing free agency, but they could be dealt before they hit the open market. It's not hard to envision Drew's $7.75MM salary clearing waivers, but some team might claim Blanton, who earns $8.5MM.
So there are no more moves made for sure? Or have they just not surfaced yet?
They haven’t surfaced yet meaning for league Approval and deals already made today their could be others add to it.
Phew…… Kinda worried about that Joe Blanton deal….
Curious. If someone claimed Cliff Lee, would the Phillies let him go for nothing just to get rid of the entire salary?
Good question, but you’d think no. As he showed last night, when he’s focused (and maybe a little irritated about hearing his name in trade talks all week) he’s still an elite lefty starter and I wouldn’t think you just let an elite lefty starter walk for nothing more than salary relief.