Mets and Yankees: Waiver Deals Coming Next?

Assuming the Mets and Yankees do little or nothing by Monday’s trade deadline, that won’t mean the book is closed on filling holes as the season moves forward. 

By definition, Monday’s trade deadline suggests that transactions can’t be made for the remainder of the season. In fact, the feeding frenzy is just beginning as waiver moves kick in allowing teams to maintain hope that something or someone will come along to breathe hope into a stalling playoff run.

For both the New York Mets and Yankees, who increasingly seem to be committed to not making any major moves before the trade deadline, waiver deals may improve their team before time runs out.

This Monday’s trade deadline doesn’t mean the deals are done. Due up next: The Waiver Deal Season

Historically, neither team has been especially active in making waiver deals, but the Mets did pick up Addison Reed, who proved to be an invaluable addition to their bullpen down the stretch.

Last year, the Yankees made an attempt to reacquaint themselves with David Robertson who was lost via free agency the year before. The Chicago White Sox, who had inexplicably made Robertson available, immediately pulled him back when they saw the Yankees’ claim on him.

To clarify, this is essentially how the waiver rule works in baseball, per MLB.com:

"When a player is put on waivers, he can go through with no claim, which means he then can be traded anywhere. He can get claimed, and whichever team claims him can be awarded the player. A trade can also be worked out with the claiming team. Or the player can be pulled back off waivers."

A player with a high salary usually passes through, unless a team with a high payroll and a specific need makes the claim and is willing to assume the contract.

Over the course of time, some big names have been involved in waiver deals that have turned the tide in pennant races and beyond.

Names like John Smoltz and Adrian Gonzalez changed teams via waivers. The deal involving Smoltz was especially interesting as both teams seemed to benefit. The Detroit Tigers traded Smoltz, who went on to a Hall Of Fame induction with the Braves, and acquired Doyle Alexander, who then went 9-0 propelling the team to an AL Central Division title.

For the current Yankees, some of the waiver deals involve players who have no-trade clauses in their contracts. The players must waive the stipulation to complete a roster move. This would include both Alex Rodriguez and Mark Texieria.

By all accounts, neither player wants a change of scenery. Though, manager Joe Girardi could continue to sit Rodriguez to force him out. CC Sabathia would also likely draw the attention from other contending teams, but his salary through next year might need some tweaking for a potential deal.

For the Mets, Curtis Granderson has only a limited no-trade clause, which he would waive if traded to another contender. If the Mets can pull off a deal, it would unclog the outfield, giving Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto both a chance to play every day.

Undoubtedly, both teams would have to be creative to unload these guys and get something back in return, even if it doesn’t help this year. Stay tuned; the feeding frenzy is just beginning.