The Los Angeles Angels made waves in the baseball industry by placing a significant number of their players on waivers, a move that surprised many. This unprecedented decision has prompted intrigue and speculation among teams as they vie for the chance to claim these players. In this article, we will delve into the ramifications of these waivers and explore the impact it will have on the Angels and the postseason race.
The Angels stunned the baseball industry by placing a substantial portion of their roster on waivers. Starters Lucas Giolito, relievers Matt Moore, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dominic Leone, as well as outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk, are among the players who could potentially be claimed. This move has created a flurry of activity and speculation among teams as they await Thursday, the day when the teams that win the claims will be revealed.
During the waiver period, teams have the opportunity to place claims on these players. If a player is claimed, they will be awarded to the team with the worst record on Thursday. Interestingly, all claimed players will be eligible for the postseason since they will be on the team’s roster before September 1. This added dimension adds an extra layer of intrigue to the waiver process.
As news spread about the waivers, players like Lucas Giolito expressed their surprise. Giolito acknowledged that while it may be a business decision, it can still be a strange and unexpected one. On the other hand, players like Reynaldo Lopez have taken a more pragmatic approach, stating that they will be ready for whatever comes their way.
If all six Angels players are claimed, it could potentially save the team around $7 million in salary over the final month of the season. This significant cost reduction could allow the Angels to dip below the competitive-balance-tax threshold of $233 million. Falling below this threshold would have the added benefit of recouping a second-round draft pick if Shohei Ohtani were to leave as a free agent.
The magnitude of this roster dump is almost unfathomable considering where the Angels were just a month ago. In late July, when the Angels acquired Giolito and Lopez from the White Sox, they were pushing for a postseason spot. However, since then, the team’s performance has taken a nosedive. With a 7-18 record in August, the Angels find themselves struggling and far from contention.
Teams at the bottom of the playoff table are expected to benefit the most from the Angels’ waiver moves. While it’s unlikely that higher-ranking teams like the San Diego Padres or New York Yankees will pursue claims, teams like the Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds, who are in need of bullpen and starting pitching help, respectively, are considered favorites to make moves.
The final standings will be determined on Thursday morning. In case of a tie between an American League and National League team, the AL team would have priority. If the tied teams are from the same league, the team with the worst record in 2022 would have priority. These factors will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the waiver claims.
Considering the cost at which players like Giolito and Lopez were acquired, being able to claim them for next to nothing is a significant opportunity for struggling teams. While Giolito has struggled with the Angels, Lopez has been exceptional. The ability to acquire such talent for a low cost is highly enticing for teams aiming to improve their fortunes.
Players like Giolito are aware of the impending decisions and are waiting to see what happens. They understand that their fates are uncertain until Thursday, and until then, they remain committed to fulfilling their obligations to the team. It is a situation that highlights the unpredictable nature of the business of baseball.
The Angels’ decision to waive a significant number of players is a culmination of a season that didn’t go as planned. With a lack of playoff appearances in recent years, the team made significant offseason moves in hopes of contending. However, injuries and poor performance have led to a disappointing season.
The Los Angeles Angels’ decision to place several players on waivers has sent shockwaves across the baseball industry. The consequences of these moves will be revealed on Thursday when the claiming teams are announced. The financial impact, potential beneficiaries, and players’ reactions have all made this waiver period one of the most intriguing and surprising in recent memory. As the season nears its end, the Angels find themselves watching from the sidelines, reflecting on a season that didn’t go according to plan.
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