PHOENIX — These are always stressful times for major league baseball general managers.
They’re evaluating talent and weighing the financial implications as the trade deadline approaches, which is Tuesday.
There is also another factor: the vaccination status in relation to COVID-19.
“You didn’t have to think about it before,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said.
“Every team wants all their players to be fit to play anywhere, but that has changed and there are personal choices.”
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the players’ vaccination status affects trade talks “to some extent.”
On the other hand, he doesn’t think it’s a major aspect in most cases – especially for clubs not having to go to Canada in the near future.
Foreign nationals who are not vaccinated cannot enter Canada, except for limited exceptions which require a 14-day isolation.
Teams traveling to Toronto for the remainder of the regular season need to consider whether they want to add a player who could miss a crucial series.
The Yankees, Guardians, Rays, Orioles, Red Sox, Angels and Cubs will play in Toronto after the deadline.
Of the lot, only the Angels and the Cubs are not in the playoff race.
Several teams have visited the Blue Jays without some of their best players. The Kansas City Royals were the most extreme example, dropping 10 players.
Several of these players, including Andrew Benintendi and Whit Merrifield, could be coveted in a transaction.
In the case of Benintendi, it’s already done: he moved to the Yankees last week.
Merrifield said he might be willing to get vaccinated if it meant he could play in Toronto.
The Blue Jays have a very good record so, theoretically, the road to the World Series could pass through Canada.
Benintendi said he might consider getting vaccinated.
“I’m open-minded about that,” said Benintendi. Right now, my focus is on getting here, feeling comfortable, getting to know the guys and winning some baseball games.”
Manager Aaron Boone has not raised the issue with Benintendi in recent days.
“We will cross that bridge at the indicated time, if necessary,” summarized Boone.
David Brandt, The Associated Press
