Angels Place Nearly a Fifth of Roster on Waivers, Stirring Up Baseball’s Pennant Races
In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Angels have placed almost a fifth of their roster on waivers, potentially shaking up baseball’s pennant races. The decision to send several key players to the waiver wire comes after the team’s recent collapse in performance following a major push before the trade deadline.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, headlining the list of players placed on waivers are starter Lucas Giolito, relievers Matt Moore and Reynaldo López, and outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk. The Angels’ move has caught the attention of baseball executives and fans alike, with many labeling it as an unexpected and “crazy” tactic.
Other notable players on waivers include Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader, Mets starter Carlos Carrasco, and White Sox starter Mike Clevinger. The sheer volume and caliber of players made available have piqued the interest of contenders across the league, who are now considering whether to poach these players.
The waivers process works whereby all 30 teams have an opportunity to claim a player placed on outright waivers. The waiver priority is determined by reverse order of the team’s record, with ties being broken based on last year’s record. If a player is claimed, the claiming team assumes the remainder of their contract and adds them to their 40-man roster. If a player goes unclaimed, their original team continues to pay their salary.
The implications of this move are significant for the league, as a majority of teams are currently within reach of a playoff spot. Before Tuesday’s games, there were 16 teams above .500 and within 2 ½ games of a playoff position. This means numerous teams are eager to take advantage of the opportunity to add impact players without giving up prospects – all it will cost them is money.
However, claiming a player off waivers is not guaranteed, as it depends on the waiver order, which is still subject to change based on records through Wednesday’s games.
The current waiver order is as follows: Athletics, Royals, Rockies, White Sox, Cardinals, Pirates, Tigers, Mets, Nationals, Padres, Guardians, Angels, Yankees, Marlins, Reds, Giants, Diamondbacks, Twins, Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, Phillies, Astros, Rangers, Brewers, Mariners, Rays, Dodgers, Orioles, and Braves.
The timing of this waiver frenzy is crucial, as teams have until August 31 to trade for players on waivers and have them be eligible for postseason play. This creates an opportunity for teams to bolster their rosters and potentially affect the outcome of the pennant races.
It’s worth noting that the current waiver system differs from the previous system, which allowed teams to make waiver deals and renege on them if necessary. Starting in 2019, revocable waivers were eliminated, and teams can only claim players and assume their salaries without the possibility of trading them later.
The Angels’ decision to place a significant portion of their roster on waivers is seen as a way for the team to cut losses and avoid paying taxes. Since the All-Star break, the Angels have been the worst team in baseball, leading them to virtually give up on their playoff chances.
Additionally, shedding salary through these waiver moves would allow the Angels to drop below the first competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold, thus avoiding tax penalties and gaining a better draft compensation pick if Shohei Ohtani declines the team’s qualifying offer this fall.
The move has raised questions about the Angels’ future and the strategic decisions being made. While some criticize the team for the desperate waiver dump, others acknowledge the behind-the-scenes considerations the team has regarding their payroll, taxes, and draft positioning.
As for the players placed on waivers, teams will have the opportunity to claim them and potentially shore up their rosters. Lucas Giolito may find himself on another team, with potential suitors being the Twins, Reds, Diamondbacks, Giants, Red Sox, and Orioles. Other players like Matt Moore, Reynaldo López, and Randal Grichuk may also find new homes depending on the claiming teams’ needs.
Overall, the Angels’ bold move on waivers has stirred up excitement and anticipation among contenders vying for a spot in the playoffs. With the waiver wire frenzy in full swing, teams and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome as the deadline approaches.