The Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins agreed to a trade on Wednesday.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Major League Baseball’s trade deadline was on Monday, but the two clubs didn’t break the rules to complete this deal.
In the trade, the Marlins sent infielder/outfielder Jacob Berry to Kansas City. In return, Miami received cash.
Why was this trade allowed to go through?
Well, trades are permitted for players who have not appeared on a 40-man roster all season. Berry, a first-round pick in 2022, falls into that category.
Why trades are still allowed after MLB deadline
“In all likelihood, you’ll still see several players change hands this month, they just won’t be very exciting,” Steve Adams and Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors explained.
“But, veterans who’ve been playing the entire season on a minor league contract and haven’t at any point had that contract selected to the 40-man roster or been on the Major League injured list are still fair game to be traded,” they added.
MORE: Braves get unexpectedly weak grade from ESPN for Lane Thomas trade with Royals
Berry’s absence from Miami’s 40-man roster this season is why this trade is permissible under MLB’s rules.
The more exciting trades, involving Cy Young Award winners, All-Stars, and baseball’s top prospects, occur at the deadline.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t see any trades for the remainder of the season. However, they won’t be blockbuster moves for either club involved.
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