The Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, which traditionally takes place on July 31, has been pushed back to Aug. 1 for the 2016 season, according to USA TODAY.
At the MLB owners meetings on Thursday, Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters that the move was made due to the fact that July 31 falls on a Sunday this year, and that having it on that day 'made no sense.'
"We don't think it will be the end of modern civilization to do it one day later," said Manfred.
FOX Sports' Chris Bahr writes:
In recent seasons, there has been speculation that the nonwaiver deadline eventually could be pushed back even later because so many more teams are still in contention now with two wild-card berths in each league. Thus, there are fewer teams willing to sell by the end of July.
Players still can be traded after July 31 but first must clear waivers. Any player acquired before Aug. 31 is eligible to be included on the postseason roster with his new team.
The addition of a second wild card has created a new dynamic in that more teams feel they remain in the race later in the season than usual. Perhaps the non-waiver trade deadline will see a permanent, later date in the future.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
