3 players who could be traded before the waiver trade deadline this weekend

As the penultimate month of the regular season comes to an end, teams will be looking towards the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline as an opportunity to provide a boost to their team during their final push towards the playoffs.

Here's a quick explainer on how the August deadline works, via Bless You Boys:

Starting Aug. 1, clubs can put players on "special waivers," also known as "major league waivers," "trade waivers," or "recallable waivers." Any player who could possibly  be traded can be put on waivers and if they’re claimed, the club can call them back without losing the player. 

If a player is not claimed within the waiver period, he can be traded to any MLB team during the month of August. If multiple teams put in claims on the same player, only one club can have the priority waiver claim. Priority is given to the team with the lowest winning percentage in the same league, from worst to first, and then from worst to first in the other league.

Here are three players that could be traded before Sunday's deadline:

Alex Rios, Texas Rangers

While there was some discussion in the days leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline in July about Alex Rios being shipped out of town, the Texas Rangers' outfielder might be an attractive commodity for teams that think they can provide a positive change of scenery for the struggling 33-year-old.

Rios is experiencing a significant drop in power this year as he's only managed to hit four home runs and drive in 52 runs in 481 at-bats, but he's shown the pedigree of a power hitter in the past and is capable of being a menace on the bases.

If Rios is traded by Sunday, it'll be the third time he'll switch teams in August. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox from the Toronto Blue Jays in August 2009 (Toronto gave him up for nothing), and he was traded by Chicago to Texas last August for Leury Garcia.

Rios is making $12.5 million this season and has a $13.5-million club option on his contract for 2015, which comes with a $1-million buyout. 

Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies

As the Philadelphia Phillies sit in the basement of the National League East standings, closer Jonathan Papelbon is authoring an impressive season.

Papelbon has 33 saves and sports an impressive 1.60 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP in 56 appearances. He would be a major addition for playoff-bound teams in search of bullpen help, especially the Detroit Tigers. Joe Nathan has shown glimpses of being a competent closer for the Tigers, but his six blown saves and 5.25 ERA put a damper on the 28 saves he's accumulated.

General manager Ruben Amaro has reportedly offered to eat some of the $13-million Papelbon's owed next season and the $13-million vesting option for 2016 (it's guaranteed with 55 games finished in 2015 or 100 games finished in 2014-15), which is likely the reason the closer passed through waivers without being claimed earlier in the month. Papelbon's tumultuous relationship with Phillies fans should make a move away from Philadelphia a little easier as well.

Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

Now that the smoke has settled almost a month after the Tampa Bay Rays traded ace David Price to the Detroit Tigers at the non-waiver trade deadline, the team might benefit in the future if they're able to find a trade partner interested in the services of utility man Ben Zobrist.

Rumors of Zobrist's departure from the Rays persisted until the final minutes of July's deadline, but ultimately the 33-year-old remained in Tampa Bay, and he's put together a solid season offensively.

Zobrist, who's spent his entire nine-year career with the Rays, is hitting .276/.361/.412 with nine homes runs, and 42 RBIs in 468 at-bats. He's also proficient at playing various defensive positions, including second base, shortstop, and outfield.

His versatility likely makes him one of the most coveted players heading into Sunday's waiver deadline and his impressive numbers should provide a lethal threat in the middle of the order for playoff contenders.

Zobrist is making $7 million this season and has a club option on his deal for $7.5 million next year, with a $500,000 buyout.