6 Stars That Would've Been Traded in August if MLB Didn't Stop Waiver Deals

The trade deadline is very different after Major League Baseball took away the August waiver deadline, making July 31 the true final day to make such a transaction. If it wasn't for the last second deal that sent Zack Greinke to Houston, the deadline would've been a complete bust with so many teams standing pat.

But let's live in a fun world where we could still make waiver trades. Could we have seen another Justin Verlander-type move? Here are six stars that would've been dealt in August if the MLB didn't stop waiver deals.

6. 1B Jose Abreu

Chicago White Sox v Detroit Tigers - Game One / Duane Burleson/Getty Images

The White Sox have been consistent about not wanting to move Jose Abreu, as he's staple in the middle of their lineup and a leader on this team full of young players. However, he's a free agent at season's end and it might've been too enticing not to accept a deal if the price was right.

5. OF Trey Mancini

Tampa Bay Rays v Baltimore Orioles / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Baltimore Orioles are in a full rebuild, and yet, they didn't make any big trades at the deadline. That doesn't mean they don't have anyone teams are interested in. If you're a contender in need of any outfield bat, Trey Mancini would be a welcomed addition, as he's belted 27 home runs with 65 RBI over 109 games.

4. LHP Will Smith

San Francisco Giants v Los Angeles Dodgers / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

San Francisco was one of the hotter teams in baseball at the end of July, so trading their closer would've been a clear sign they were selling. However, they've begun to fade quickly once the calendar struck August, so everyone would've been up for grabs if the waiver deadline still existed, especially a reliever like Will Smith, who's entering free agency at season's end.

3. OF Hunter Pence

Seattle Mariners v Texas Rangers / Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Hunter Pence has been wildly impressive this year in Texas, as he went down to the Dominican Republic and remade his swing, leading to a $2 million deal with the Rangers and an All-Star appearance. The veteran outfielder is probably better suited in the AL with the designated hitter as an option, but he's not a complete zero defensively and a slugging percentage over .500 can't be ignored by any team.

2. OF Charlie Blackmon

Colorado Rockies v Washington Nationals / Rob Carr/Getty Images

Charlie Blackmon signed a lengthy extension last year to stay in Colorado, but things have not gone the way the Rockies were hoping. Moving a 33-year-old All-Star outfielder to grab a few young pitchers might've been the way to go. Clearing some of Blackmon's salary would also give the Rox money to sign Trevor Story to a long-term deal, which makes a ton of sense considering his age and production.

1. LHP Madison Bumgarner

Philadelphia Phillies v San Francisco Giants / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

This would've happened before August if the Giants didn't catch fire, but now that they are falling out of contention, you can bet Madison Bumgarner would be getting ready to move to a contender, especially since there isn't a lot of starting pitching available on the market and he's an impending free agent. Oh, and who wouldn't want arguably the greatest postseason starting pitcher of all time?