PHOENIX (AP) — The trade deadline is always a hectic time for the tour’s 30 GMs, who have to assess talent, juggle financial implications and figure out how to improve their rosters before it’s too late.
Now there is another factor at play, the vaccination status of COVID-19.
“It’s definitely one of those things that’s new and you didn’t worry about before,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said. “I think every team obviously wants to feel like every complement to their roster is available to play, but this is a new world and there are personal decisions.”
Those decisions matter because MLB rules around COVID-19 affect all 30 teams differently.
Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said players’ vaccination status affects negotiations “to some degree” but doesn’t think it’s a deciding factor in many deals, especially for teams that don’t have to travel. to Canada in the near future.
Hazen added that vaccination status is part of a player’s medical record, so there should be no secrets as teams can discuss those details.
As the only MLB team located in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays face the worst restrictions. Foreigners who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 cannot enter the country, except for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine.
Unvaccinated players are placed on a restricted list, where they do not receive pay and are not counted for service time.
That means any acquisition from the Blue Jays, who are in the thick of contention for a playoff spot in the American League, would have to be vaccinated. That also means teams that must travel to Toronto for the rest of the regular schedule must weigh whether they’re willing to acquire a player who could miss out on a crucial series.
Yankees, Guardians, Rays, Orioles, Red Sox, Angels and Cubs have games in Toronto after the Aug. 2 trade deadline. Toronto general manager Ross Atkins declined an interview request through the team’s spokesman.
Several teams have had to travel to Canada this season without some of their best players. The Kansas City Royals were the starkest example, making the trip without 10 players who don’t meet Canada’s vaccination requirements.
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