The NL and AL had major shakeups today, with noticeable names hitting MLB waivers, able to be claimed by teams looking to make noise in October. Waiver claims are made in inverse order. With the teams with the worst records going first, wild card teams may jump on the opportunity to add critical veterans to their rosters. With rosters expanding in September, many players expect a call from a contender, or a team pushing for a wild card spot.
Angels Blow It Up
The Los Angeles Angels were significant buyers in this year’s trade deadline. The Halos acquired veteran Chicago White Sox pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in a shocking move to push for the playoffs. In return, the Angels shipped catcher Edgar Quero and LHP Ky Bush to the White Sox. In another move with the Colorado Rockies, the Angels traded pitching prospects RHP Jake Madden and LHP Mason Albright in exchange for outfielder Randal Grichuk and first baseman C.J. Cron. Unfortunately, the Angels playoff push hit the wall, losing seven straight games and falling out of contention.
The Angels are in for another losing season and management has pulled the plug. In total, the front office placed six players on waivers. All four players traded for at the deadline, as well as Hunter Renfroe and Matt Moore, were on that list. Renfroe is hitting .239 with 18 homers and 52 RBI. Matt Moore is a great piece for any team to have. Ranked number one in AL Setup Men according to Sport Relay’s rankings, Moore owns a 2.30 ERA and 0.977 WHIP. The 34-year-old lefty may be one of the key additions to a World Series team this fall.
As puzzling as it may seem, it’s important to realize the cause of this explosion by the Angels. For fear that Shohei Ohtani may leave this winter, the Angels decreased their payroll and luxury tax. This move is important because getting under the luxury tax line benefits draft pick compensation if Ohtani leaves in the winter.
Other Names Placed on Waivers
Additionally, other veterans placed on waivers are up for grabs. The New York Yankees selected outfielder Harrison Bader via waivers. Bader registers a .242 batting average, seven homers, and 37 RBI. The 2021 Gold Glove winner is now free to be chosen by another team.
Carlos Carrasco from the New York Mets also was a victim of today’s waiver placements. The 36-year-old righty from Venezuela is having a shaky year, posting a 6.80 ERA and 1.700 WHIP this year. In his three years with the Mets, Carrasco totaled a 5.21 ERA and 1.461 WHIP with a 19-20 record in 61 games started.
The White Sox placed 32-year-old right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger on waivers. Clevinger’s year started with accusations of abuse from a former partner, but he avoided suspension due to a lack of evidence. His 2023 campaign may have teams interested in his play; posting a 3.32 ERA and 1.229 WHIP. Clevinger’s first year in Chicago ended early, but his performance enhances belief that it won’t be the end of his season.
Finally, the Detroit Tigers placed Jose Cisnero on waivers. This season, the 34-year-old right-handed reliever owns a 5.32 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in 48 2/3 innings. Cisnero’s last five seasons have been in Detroit, with those five years amounting to a 3.77 ERA and 1.378 WHIP.
With many veteran names on waivers, look to see contenders making claims and benefitting their playoff push.
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