It may be August, but players could still be on the move throughout the MLB.
Just because the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline has come and gone, it doesn't mean the deals are done. MLB teams can still make trades, but players will now have to clear waivers in order for a swap to be made official.
This means that some teams can block trades to avoid certain talents from landing with division rivals, or teams can claim a player to fill a need even if the team dealing him had designs to send him elsewhere.
Here are five candidates for potential trades in August prior to the waiver deadline. To view this article in slideshow form, CLICK START at the top right of this page.
1) Brian McCann, Yankees C
New York is in a full-on rebuilding mode and among the players Brian Cashman has parted ways with includes bullpen arms Aroldis Chapman (Cubs) and Andrew Miller (Indians) and outfielder Carlos Beltran (Rangers).
The Yankees have hauled in a plethora of prospects and turned their farm system into one of the best in the league. One rumored trade candidate who wasn't dealt is Brian McCann, though his former team, the Braves, had interest. Rebuilding Atlanta recently acquired Matt Kemp from the Padres in a move that likely was made to add a marquee name for people to see when their new stadium opens next season.
McCann, 32, is under contract through 2019 and makes $17 million over the next two seasons and $15 million after that. He's had a tough year at the plate, slashing just .236/.334/.424, but he brings a veteran presence behind the dish and has launched 15 homers -- seven of which have come away from hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.
2) Brandon Phillips, Reds 2B
Cincinnati is another team with a lost season and moved Jay Bruce to the Mets at the trade deadline to get rid of one trade chip. Phillips blocked two trades in the offseason, so it may be difficult to move him. The second baseman is under contract through 2017 and is making $13 million this year and $14 million next season.
Phillips, 35, is slashing .261/.298/.367 with six homers and 37 RBIs through 96 games.
3) Danny Valencia, A's 3B
The Oakland third baseman had been the subject of trade rumors throughout the season, but he stood pat during the deadline while the A's dealt two other players who were heavily speculated to be on the move, pitcher Rich Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick, to the Dodgers. Valencia is arbitration eligible next season.
Valencia, 31, is having a very impressive year, slashing .302/.355/.483 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs through 80 games.
4) Nick Markakis, Braves OF
The Atlanta outfielder was rumored to be on the move to the Royals or Orioles, but he stayed with the Braves as the clock struck zero on the non-waiver deadline. Markakis is under contract through 2018 and makes $11 million per season until the pact comes to an end.
Markakis, 32, has been solid on a Braves team that doesn't have many bright spots, hitting .267/.347/.378 with six homers and 54 RBIs while playing in all but two games this season (104).
5) Huston Street, Angels RHP
The Angels reliever has had a tough year, but there could be a team out there willing to take a gamble that a change of scenery is all he needs. Street is under contract for $9 million next season and has a $10 million option for the following season with a $1 million buyout.
Street, 33, has experience closing out games and saved 40 of them last season, but this year he's 3-2 with a 6.65 ERA and nine saves.
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