designated for assignment process

How Does Designate For Assignment Work? [reasons, Process, & Outcomes]

If you follow Major League Baseball, then you must have heard of the term Designate for Assignment (DFA). When a player is DFA in baseball, various things can happen. Seeing this, you may ask, “what does designate for assignment mean?”

Designate for Assignment is a contractual term in MLB where the team removes the player from the active 40-man roster but still has the rights to the player. DFA puts the player on a waiver period where other teams can claim him.

But why does a team DFA a baseball player? What happens when a team designates a player for an assignment? Continue scrolling till the end as I answer all your questions regarding DFA in baseball.

Table of Contents

DFA Meaning Baseball

DFA is a term in Major League Baseball (MLB), which is a short form of “Designate for Assignment”. It means removing a player from the active roster of the baseball team without immediately releasing the member.

Many people confuse releasing with DFA. But they are different things. When a team designates a player for assignment, it is setting aside the player, not completely releasing them from the team.

Reasons for Designating Players for Assignment

A team can designate a player due to various reasons. It can be for changing the game strategy and tactics or trying to strengthen the team.

Here are the most common reasons why a baseball designates a player for assignment:

• Performance issues: Performance reason is the primary reason for DFA. If a player fails to perform well and does not meet the team’s expectations, then the management may decide to DFA him and take someone else on the team.

The performance issues can be anything from struggling with batting to poor fielding or pitching and more. Even though the player is not performing well, the team may not want to leave the player completely. That is why they opt for DFA.

• Making room for new players: If the management finds an excellent performer outside the team, then they might decide to DFA an existing player. It will create room for the new player.

The new player may come from performing fantastically in the minor league. Plus, the management may also trade in new players from other teams.

• Creating balance in the team: Although the management plans well before listing their roster, they can still find an imbalance in the team. Besides, they may also want to switch players to change their game strategy.

In that case, designating a player for assignment from the team can be the best solution. It will allow the team to bring in a new player with the required skill to create balance in the baseball team.

• Trade options: Teams may also want to trade a player and that is why they do DFA. If the team directly releases the player, it will not give them any financial benefit. But they can DFA the player and look for trade opportunities.

If any other team is interested in the player, they may try to buy the designated player. In that case, the original team will get financial benefits from the trade.

• Injuries: Injuries can also be a reason for DFA. Athletes can get injured at any time while playing. If the injury lasts long, it can hurt the team as that member can not play for the team.

In that case, the team usually DFA the injured player. Then the team brings in fit baseball players to continue the campaign with a full active 40-man roster. 

Designate for Assignment Process

Designate for Assignment in baseball is usually made by the team’s front office. It includes the coaching staff and general manager. They evaluate the player’s performance and the team’s need to make the call.

Once they make the decision, they will let the player and the MLB authority know about it. The team management will also inform the media about the decision to keep the fans updated and also let other teams know about player availability.

What Happens After Designation for Assignment?

When a player is designated for assignment, he enters the waiver period. It means the other baseball teams have the opportunity to claim the player. The waiver period usually lasts 7 days in MLB.

If another team claims the player during this waiver period, then they get all the rights to the player and can move him to their active roster. Such trading is common in other sports too.

In this scenario, the team who designated that player for assignment relinquishes all the rights of the player. Now, the new team will take care of the player’s contract and salary.

However, if no other team claims the player during the waiver period, he will be outright assigned to the minor leagues. It will happen when the player has minor league options remaining and is not claimed off waivers.

If the player is outrighted to the minor leagues, he will be removed from the MLB team’s 40-man roster. But he will remain with the organization and enjoy all the benefits.

Interestingly, the player has two choices here. He can either accept the outright assignment and play in the minor leagues or can ask for release and become a free agent.

Many players often are not interested in playing in the minor leagues. In that case, they ask for release after the DFA. Then he becomes a free agent, and any other MLB team can sign that player.

1. What is the difference between DFA and being released?

The main difference between DFA and being released is that the team retains the right to the player in DFA. But when the team releases a player in baseball, it terminates all the contracts between them, and the team holds no right to the player.

2. What is the difference between options and designated for assignment?

The main difference between options and designated for assignment is that the option allows the team to send the player to the minor leagues without putting him into the waiver period. That means no other team can claim the player. 

3. Can a player refuse assignment after being designated for assignment?

No. A player usually does not hold the right to refuse a designate for assignment. However, if he has been with MLB for over 3 years or has been outrighted previously, he can refuse the outright assignment.

4. Can a team designate a player for assignment multiple times?

Yes. A team can designate a player multiple times during their contract period. Whenever the team feels that the player is failing to meet the team’s expectations, they can DFA the player.

My Opinion on DFA

DFA in baseball can be tough for players. The miseries enhance when no other team shows interest in claiming or trading that player.

But it is good practice to get better team results in the MLB. The process allows the team to reorganize and improve their performance. Besides, it also allows the player to look for better opportunities in other teams.

For these reasons, I think DFA is a pretty good option for both the team and the player. It can benefit both parties.

Learn More What Is A Breaking Ball?

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Hello everyone. My name is  Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player.  I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego. 

I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit. 

What does 'DFA' mean in baseball? It's not an endearing abbreviation.

Albert Pujols . David Ortiz. Alex Rodriguez. Manny Ramirez. Nelson Cruz. Robinson Cano. Justin Upton.

Ortiz is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Pujols is a lock for the Hall. Cruz is a future candidate for Cooperstown. And all were former major league All-Stars.

What do they all have in common?

Each of them have been DFA'd during their major league baseball career.

Ultimately, it means the player is cut from a team. It's one of several transactions that can happen to an MLB player. But it's a more common process for players who are in the latter years of their career and in the middle of a contract.

MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024

What does DFA mean in baseball?

Designated for assignment.

It's one of the more unique transaction types in baseball, where unlike being traded, the player is optioned to the minor leagues or simply cut from the roster.

What does being designated for assignment mean?

Teams are allowed to have 40 players on their roster, with 26 of them active on the major league roster. Over the course of the season, teams make roster moves, which sometimes involves cutting a player. In order to take someone off the 40-man roster, they must be designated for assignment.

MLB.com explains the process: "When a player's contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated "DFA" — that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers."

Can another team claim a DFA'd player?

Yes, any team can pick up a player off waivers. However, if that team claims the player, they would have to add the player to their 40-man roster.

More baseball fun facts

• What does BB mean in baseball?
• What does OPS mean?
• What was the longest baseball game?
• Who invented baseball?

Ralph Branca – Baseball Legend

Understanding the mlb dfa process: explained in detail.

Are you curious about how Major League Baseball (MLB) teams handle the designated for assignment (DFA) process? Well, you’re in the right place! In this article, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of how this intriguing process works in the world of professional baseball.

When a player is designated for assignment, it means that their team has decided to remove them from the active roster. But what happens next? That’s where things get interesting. The DFA process gives the team a limited amount of time to either trade, release, or outright the player to the minors. It’s a strategic move that allows teams to make room for new additions or evaluate the player’s future with the organization.

What is the designated for assignment (DFA) process?

The Designated for Assignment (DFA) process is a strategic move in Major League Baseball (MLB) that allows teams to remove a player from the active roster. When a player is designated for assignment, it means their spot on the roster is being reassessed by the team. This process gives the team a limited amount of time to either trade, release, or send the player to the minor leagues.

The DFA process is often used to create roster flexibility or evaluate a player’s future with the organization. Teams may choose to designate a player for assignment for a variety of reasons, such as underperformance, injury concerns, or the need to make room for new additions to the roster.

Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has up to 10 days to take further action. During this period, the team can either trade the player to another team, release them and remove them from the organization, or place them on waivers. Placing a player on waivers means that other teams have the opportunity to claim the player within a designated window of time.

If a player is not traded or claimed off waivers within the 10-day period, the team has the option to outright the player to the minor leagues, assuming the player has options remaining. If the player is out of options, they must be placed on waivers again for the purpose of outrighting them.

It’s important to note that being designated for assignment does not necessarily mean the end of a player’s career with the organization. In some cases, a player may be able to clear waivers and be assigned to the minor leagues, where they can work on their skills and potentially earn another chance at the major league level.

The Designated for Assignment (DFA) process in MLB allows teams to remove a player from the active roster, giving them the opportunity to trade, release, or send the player to the minors. This strategic move helps teams create roster flexibility and evaluate the player’s future with the organization.

Reasons for designating a player for assignment

When it comes to the designated for assignment (DFA) process in Major League Baseball (MLB), there are several reasons why a team may choose to designate a player for assignment. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Performance : One of the main reasons for designating a player for assignment is their performance on the field. When a player is not living up to expectations or underperforming, the team may decide to reassess their position on the roster. This allows the team to make room for someone who can contribute more effectively.
• Injury : Injuries can also play a role in the decision to designate a player for assignment. If a player’s injuries are hindering their ability to play at their best, the team may choose to designate them for assignment to allow them time to recover or seek alternative options.
• Roster Flexibility : DFA’ing a player can create roster flexibility for the team. It provides an opportunity to evaluate other players within the organization or make room for new acquisitions. By designating a player for assignment, the team can make strategic moves to improve their roster and increase their chances of success.
• Contract or Salary Issues : Contract or salary issues can also be a factor in the decision to designate a player for assignment. If a player’s contract is burdening the team financially or if they are overpaid for their performance, the team may choose to designate them for assignment to free up salary cap space or make room for a more cost-effective option.
• Development or Age : Sometimes, a player may be designated for assignment due to their development or age. If a young prospect is not progressing as expected or an older player is declining in performance, the team may decide to reassess their future with the organization through the DFA process.

It’s important to note that being designated for assignment does not necessarily mean the end of a player’s career with the organization. They may have the opportunity to clear waivers and be assigned to the minor leagues, giving them a chance to further develop or regain their form. Overall, the DFA process allows teams to make strategic moves to improve their roster and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of MLB.

The timeline of the DFA process

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA), it triggers a series of events that take place within a specific timeline. Understanding this timeline is crucial for both teams and players involved. Let’s delve into the step-by-step process:

• DFA Announcement : The team announces the decision to designate a player for assignment, which means the player’s spot on the roster is being reassessed. This announcement is typically made public through various media outlets.
• 10-Day Period : Once the player is designated for assignment, the team has a 10-day window to determine the player’s future. During this time, the team considers various options such as trading the player, releasing them, placing them on waivers, or outrighting them to the minor leagues.
• Trade Opportunities : If the team believes there is value in the player and wants to get a return, they may explore trade possibilities within the 10-day period. This allows the team to potentially acquire other players or assets in exchange for the player designated for assignment.
• Clearing Waivers : If the team is unable to find a trade partner or decides against releasing the player, they may attempt to place them on waivers. This process involves making the player available to other teams for a specified period. If no team claims the player within that time, they can be assigned to the minor leagues.
• Release or Minor League Assignment : If the player goes unclaimed on waivers, the team has two choices. They can either release the player, making them a free agent, or assign them to the minor leagues if they have minor league options remaining.

Throughout this timeline, teams carefully consider the player’s performance, injury history, contract or salary considerations, age, and development potential. The DFA process offers teams an opportunity to assess their roster, address roster flexibility issues, and make strategic moves to maintain a competitive edge in Major League Baseball.

By understanding the timeline of the DFA process, players and teams can navigate this often-challenging period with clarity and certainty. It’s important to remember that being designated for assignment doesn’t necessarily spell the end of a player’s career with the organization. They may still have the opportunity to clear waivers and continue their journey in the minor leagues.

Trading a player after being designated for assignment

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA) in Major League Baseball (MLB), it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of their career with the organization. One option available to the team during the 10-day period is to trade the player to another team. This allows the team to potentially receive something in return for the player rather than losing them for nothing.

Trading a player after being designated for assignment can be a strategic move for teams. It allows them to address specific needs or acquire assets that can help improve their roster. In some cases, the team may have already reached out to other teams to gauge their interest in the player before making the DFA decision.

During the 10-day period, teams have the opportunity to negotiate trades with other teams. If a trade is agreed upon, the player is transferred to the new team and their DFA status is lifted. However, if no trade is made within the 10-day period, the team will have to choose among other available options such as releasing the player, placing them on waivers, or outrighting them to the minor leagues.

Trading a player after being designated for assignment requires careful evaluation of the player’s value and the needs of other teams. It can be a complex process that involves negotiations between teams, considering player contracts and salaries, and determining the overall impact on the team’s roster.

It’s important to note that not all players who are designated for assignment are traded. Some players may not garner enough interest from other teams, or their contracts and performance may limit their trade value. However, the possibility of trading a player gives teams an opportunity to potentially improve their roster and make strategic moves to maintain a competitive edge in MLB.

Overall, the DFA process provides teams with the flexibility to reevaluate players on their roster and make necessary changes. Trading a player after being designated for assignment is just one of the possible outcomes during this process, allowing teams to potentially acquire assets that can benefit their organization in the long run.

Releasing a player after being designated for assignment

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA) in Major League Baseball (MLB), the team has a limited amount of time to either trade, release, or send the player to the minor leagues. In some cases, teams may choose to release a player after they have been designated for assignment.

Releasing a player essentially means that the team is terminating the player’s contract, making them a free agent and allowing them to explore opportunities with other teams. This option is often exercised when the team is not able to find a trade partner or does not see a future for the player within the organization.

Releasing a player after the DFA process can be a difficult decision for teams, as it means parting ways with a player without being able to receive any compensation in return. However, there are several circumstances where this option may be beneficial:

• Performance : If a player has consistently underperformed and the team sees no potential for improvement, releasing them may be the best course of action to open up a roster spot for someone who can contribute.
• Injury : If a player has suffered from a significant injury that may impact their future performance or ability to play, the team may choose to release them rather than keeping them on the roster and dealing with the potential long-term implications of their injury.
• Roster Flexibility : Releasing a player after the DFA process allows the team to create roster flexibility, which can be important when making other roster moves or accommodating new acquisitions.
• Contract or Salary Issues : If a player’s contract or salary is considered burdensome, releasing them can help alleviate any financial constraints on the team.
• Development or Age : Occasionally, a team may designate a player for assignment to reassess their development or evaluate their fit with the team based on their age. If the team does not see a long-term future for the player, releasing them may be the best option.

While releasing a player after the DFA process does not provide any immediate benefit to the team, it can be a necessary step to address roster needs, financial concerns, or simply provide the player with an opportunity to continue their career elsewhere.

In the following section, I will discuss another option available to teams after designating a player for assignment: outrighting them to the minor leagues .

Outrighting a player to the minors after being designated for assignment

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA), outrighting them to the minor leagues is one of the possible options for the team during the 10-day period. Outrighting a player means that they are removed from the team’s 40-man roster and placed on waivers.

If the player successfully clears waivers, they are then outrighted to the minor leagues. This means that they are no longer on the team’s active roster and are typically sent to one of the team’s affiliate clubs in the farm system. However, it’s important to note that outrighting a player does not completely remove them from the organization.

Outrighting a player to the minors after being designated for assignment can serve a few purposes. It allows the team to create roster flexibility by removing the player from the 40-man roster, making room for other players who may be more valuable or needed in the immediate future. It also gives the team an opportunity to assess the player’s performance and development in a less pressure-filled environment.

Moreover, outrighting a player to the minors can provide the player with an opportunity to work on their skills, regain confidence, or make necessary adjustments to their game. It’s not uncommon for players who have been outrighted to the minor leagues to eventually work their way back to the major leagues and become valuable contributors to their team.

Overall, outrighting a player to the minors after being designated for assignment can be a strategic move for a team. It provides an avenue for roster flexibility while also giving the player an opportunity to refine their skills and potentially make a return to the major leagues.

No conclusion paragraph should be included.

Impact on a player’s contract and salary

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA) in Major League Baseball (MLB), it not only affects their spot on the roster but also has financial implications. The DFA process allows a team to reassess a player’s future with the organization, which can impact their contract and salary. Let’s take a closer look at how the DFA process affects a player’s financial situation.

• Roster Spot and Pay : When a player is designated for assignment, their spot on the 40-man roster is immediately opened up for another player. However, the player who is DFA’d still remains under contract with the team. During the designated period, which is generally 10 days, the team has the option to trade, release, outright, or assign the player to the minor leagues.
• Contract Status : The DFA process does not automatically void a player’s contract. If a player is not traded, released, or outrighted within the designated period, they can be assigned to the minor leagues with the consent of the player. In this case, the player’s contract remains intact, but they are no longer on the 40-man roster.
• Salary Obligations : The DFA process can also impact a player’s salary. If a player is released or outrighted to the minor leagues after being DFA’d, their guaranteed contract remains in effect, and they continue to receive their full salary. However, if a player is traded during the DFA period, the new team may assume all or part of the player’s salary obligations.

It is important to note that teams have the flexibility to negotiate with the player regarding their contract and salary after designating them for assignment. They can explore options such as outrighting the player to the minors with an adjusted salary, or even reaching a mutual agreement to terminate the contract.

Overall, the DFA process not only affects a player’s roster status but also has implications for their contract and salary. It is a complex situation that requires careful evaluation by both the team and the player to determine the best course of action moving forward.

Challenges and considerations in the DFA process

When it comes to the designated for assignment (DFA) process in Major League Baseball (MLB), there are several challenges and considerations that both the team and the player must take into account. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors:

1. Roster Flexibility

One of the key considerations in the DFA process is the team’s need for roster flexibility. By designating a player for assignment, the team opens up a spot on the roster that can be filled by another player. This allows the team to make necessary changes to the lineup or address specific needs within the team. However, it is important to note that the DFA process is not a decision taken lightly, as it often involves tough choices and potential consequences for both the player and the organization.

2. Player Development and Future

Another important factor in the DFA process is the evaluation of a player’s future with the organization. Sometimes, a player may be designated for assignment as part of their development plan. This could be to give them more playing time in the minor leagues or to work on specific aspects of their game. In such cases, the team believes that the player has potential but needs more time or adjustments before being ready for the major leagues.

3. Performance and Injuries

Performance and injuries also play a significant role in the DFA process. If a player is underperforming or struggling with injuries, the team may choose to designate them for assignment to reassess their situation. By doing so, the team can create an opportunity to bring in a player who may be performing better or is healthier. It is crucial for teams to carefully evaluate a player’s performance and health before making a DFA decision.

4. Contract and Salary Issues

Contract and salary issues can also be factors considered in the DFA process. Sometimes, a player’s contract or salary may not align with their performance or the team’s financial situation. In such cases, the team may choose to designate the player for assignment to explore other options. The DFA process gives the team an opportunity to negotiate with the player regarding their contract and salary. This negotiation can result in a trade, release, or a different arrangement that benefits both parties involved.

Understanding the designated for assignment (DFA) process in Major League Baseball (MLB) is crucial for both teams and players. The DFA process provides teams with the opportunity to reassess a player’s spot on the roster and make necessary adjustments. During the 10-day period, teams have various options, including trading, releasing, placing on waivers, or outrighting the player to the minor leagues.

The DFA process is often utilized to create roster flexibility, evaluate a player’s future with the organization, or address performance, injury, contract, or development concerns. Teams must carefully consider factors such as player development, future potential, performance, injuries, and contract and salary issues when making DFA decisions.

For players, the DFA process can be challenging and uncertain, as it may determine their future in the organization or even their career in the MLB. It is essential for players to stay focused, continue to work on their skills, and remain open to potential opportunities that may arise during the DFA period.

Overall, the DFA process is a crucial aspect of roster management in MLB. Teams must carefully evaluate their options, while players must navigate the process with determination and a willingness to adapt to new opportunities that may arise.

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What is Designated for Assignment (DFA) Mean in Baseball?

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Of all the distinctive terms used in Major League Baseball, “Designated for assignment” must be near the top of the list for the hardest to explain to new fans. When a player is declared this, often stated as “He was DFA’d,” what exactly does it mean?

Designated for assignment refers to a player’s contract, and it means the team will immediately remove that player from its 40-man roster. For MLB fans, it means you will no longer be seeing that player on that team, at least for a decent spell.

Typically MLB teams do this to clear space for another move, or simply to rid a player from the squad entirely.

Once a player is officially DFA’d, a 7-day period begins, where the club must make a decision about the next destination for that player. In other words, it’s a way for baseball teams to put a player in temporary limbo while they try to figure out their roster situation.

During the 7-day period, that player can be sent to one of the team’s minor league affiliates; traded to another team; or placed on waivers, a list of players for other teams to acquire (under certain rules).

Basically, when you see this term attached to a player, that person is being moved off the regular MLB team at least for the time being. Sometimes, though not often, they are returned to their original team.

Baseball Club Options with Players Designated for Assignment

Once a player is DFA’d, the clock starts for the club to pick an option for that player’s immediate future. Those options are:

• Assign the player to one of a minor league team affiliated with the club. (This is not available for all players; see Common Questions at bottom).
• Place the player on the Waiver Wire . This move begins another type of clock ~ where other teams can take the player, under the league’s waiver rules.

2B. If the player on the waiver wire is claimed, his new team must immediately put him on their 40-man roster.

2C. If the player, over a specified period of time, is unclaimed from waivers, he can be assigned to his previous team’s minor league system. Unless: The player has enough service time in the major leagues, or has run out of minor league options (See below), in which case he becomes a free agent who can sign a contract with any team.

• The player could be released from his contract, that is, set entirely free to go play with any other team. In such instances, the club is responsible for paying the player according to the terms of their contract together.

Types of Rosters in Major League Baseball

All this talk assumes fans know what a 40-man roster is ~ and it’s not just the list of players the current MLB team can use for games. That would be the 26-man roster.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2 types of MLB rosters, which are essentially lists of their players who either can be used in games (26-man), or who are in line to play in games in the near future as well (40-man).

26-Man Roster in MLB

The 26-man roster (or 24- or 25-man rosters in seasons past) is for players available to participate in MLB game play. Players not on the 26-man roster, such as those on injured lists, or in the minor leagues, cannot be entered into an MLB game.

So, MLB teams cannot just sign anyone off the street and instantly insert them into a game. Well, maybe not instantaneously, but at least a full day. However, even that would involve some juggling of personnel, as noted in this article.

40-Man Roster in MLB

A club’s 40-man roster is filled by a combination of players on the 26-man roster; along with players on various injured lists (7-, 10-, and 15-day injured lists); on an emergency list for bereavement or a family medical emergency; and some minor league players.

All players on a 26-man roster are also on the 40-man roster. That leaves a club 14 spots to manage all year long ~ and not just during the regular season.

The 40-man roster is important to watch during the offseason , as all those players are protected from other teams “taking” them in what’s called the Rule 5 Draft, held at the end of every year during the MLB’s Winter Meetings.

Notes on the Rule 5 Draft in Major League Baseball

Since 1920, the Rule 5 Draft has given minor league players opportunities with new MLB clubs ~ if their original club did not protect them from this draft by keeping them on the 40-man roster.

The way it works is, clubs with a spot open on their own 40-man roster select players not on 40-man rosters of the other clubs. This ends up like the regular MLB draft, with teams selecting in reverse order of the standings the previous season.

Players are eligible for selection if they are not on their team’s 40-man roster at the time of the draft, and they have either spent 4 seasons in professional baseball after signing at age 19 or older; or spent 5 seasons in pro ball after signing at age 18 or younger.

Even when drafting an eligible player, it’s not over. The new team pays the player’s previous club $100,000, places the player on its 40-man roster, AND then must keep the player on the 26-man roster for the entire next season.

This last requirement makes selecting other team’s unprotected minor league players a true challenge, as they do not yet know if that player will succeed at the major league level. If not, the team pretty much loses a roster spot through season’s end, filled by a player who can hardly contribute.

If the new club takes that player off the 26-man roster, however, it has to offer to return him to his previous team for $50,000.

Perhaps the most famous Rule 5 case was that of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers at age 19 and buried on their Montreal, Canada minor league team, where he got all of 155 at bats .

That didn’t fool Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who that winter selected Clemente in the Rule 5 Draft ~ and then had to keep him on the roster that next season even as he struggled as a young foreign player competing at the game’s highest level.

Eventually the Puerto Rican hero came around, and became one of the best outfielders of all time.

Why Does ‘Designated for Assignment’ in Baseball Have to be So Complicated?

This all may seem confusing, but this system of using players in MLB game play, and also having extra players in case of injuries or emergencies, has evolved with the game. It’s a necessary structure that MLB clubs agree to abide by, for a lot of reasons, avoiding mayhem among them.

When a new fan sees these types of terms, usually in the agate type or side notes in sports sections, or sometimes added to the end of game news reports, they should consider just how hard it is to field a professional baseball team on a near-daily basis.

Baseball might look leisurely to play, but in reality the players exert parts of their body quite extensively ~ in some instances beyond what they are capable of naturally. A summary of a baseball player’s body that could force him off the field at any time:

• Arms . This includes shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers ~ all essential for baseball players to compete at all. The shoulders and elbows, in particular, are punished by the act of throwing a 5-ounce ball repeatedly over extended periods of time.
• Legs . Baseball is not a game of constant motion like the other major team sports. There is a lot of very instant starting, and quick stopping, which puts a lot of pressure on the tendons, ligaments, and joints of the legs. Knees and ankles give baseball players trouble, due to the starting-stopping, plus a lot of twisting involved in hitting and throwing.
• Core . This includes the abdomen, hips, and upper thighs. Probably more than the other major team sports, baseball is very tough on the middle of the body , mainly due to all the twisting. Batting, in particular, requires a tremendous twist of the torso to get the bat through the hitting zone, which can impact many muscle groups, as well as the spine.
• Back . Baseball players are susceptible to back injuries, mainly due to either overextending, or under-stretching. Often it’s a combination of both.

Add to all that the mental aspect of living life (e.g. having a wife and family) while away from home for weeks at a time, and the constant stress of having to perform well to remain in the game (and make more money). All the games, practices, stress, travel, loneliness, and more, can take a toll on any ballplayer.

In summary, any of these body (and mind) areas can take a baseball player out of service, maybe just for a few days, or a few weeks, or even many months. You can tell how often players get hurt by the MLB’s types of injured lists: the 7-day, 15-day, and 60-day injured list.

Roster Management in Baseball

All this gets us to the people responsible for getting the best players possible on the field during any MLB game. It’s not as simple as sending out the same 9 guys day in and day out. Pitchers in particular cannot pitch every single day, so extra pitchers must be brought along.

Some players might hurt a body part, but not in a major way, so all they need is a bit of rest. In these instances, pro baseball teams need a bench full of replacement players waiting to get in the game.

There’s also some competitive strategy involved. Baseball clubs can make changes to their roster daily, so if they foresee a problem upcoming, they can make roster changes to address it. Examples:

• Lengthy road trips . A club seeing a long stretch of games away from home might carry an extra pitcher just for that period. When they return home, they might send that extra pitcher back to the high minor leagues.
• Opposition strengths and weaknesses. The MLB regular-season schedule can be quirky, and sometimes teams play the same squads, or groups of them (e.g. from the same division), repeatedly over a short period. Maybe a club manager sees a group of upcoming games where every team has a lot of left-handed pitchers. Then, he may choose to swap out left-handed hitters, and add in more righties, just for that period of time.

In other words, the managers (and general managers) of MLB teams are constantly tinkering with their rosters, for a lot of reasons. Terms like DFA exist to add structure to all of this, in an attempt to ensure fairness for all the clubs, and avoid anarchy.

In summary, the designated for assignment system exists so MLB teams can add a newly acquired player onto their roster ~ through a free agent signing, a trade, a waiver wire grab, or to pull a player up from a minor league team; or to address players bouncing between the injured lists.

Whenever a player is getting healthy enough to return, fans usually get quite excited. But understand, for every player returning to play, another is forced to leave.

Common Questions

Question: what is the difference between being designated for assign and being “optioned”.

Answer: Remaining on the 40-man roster, or not. To be optioned means a player on the 40-man roster is moved to an “optional assignment” with one of the club’s minor league affiliates. An “option” is good for an entire season; and players only get so many options before clubs can no longer send them to a minor league team for roster management purposes. With DFA, if a player has an option remaining, that is something the club could choose to do in the 7-day “decision” period.

Q.: Why do teams only get 7 days to decide what to do with DFA’d players?

A.: It’s according to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is the operating structure of the MLB between clubs and players. This period is adjusted periodically upon agreement of a majority of owners and the players. For instance, in the CBA of 2012-16, the period was 10 days.

Rethinking Careers: How Designate for Assignment in Baseball Alters Player Paths

• Updated December 9, 2023
• Posted in Pitching Insights

Introduction to Designate for Assignment in Baseball

The basics of designate for assignment in baseball.

“Designate for Assignment” (DFA) in baseball is more than just a term; it’s a significant decision that can drastically alter a player’s career. When a player is DFA’d, it means they are being removed from their team’s 40-man roster. This decision gives the team several options: they can trade the player, release them, or send them to the minor leagues if they clear waivers. It’s important to note that DFA is not just a simple roster adjustment. It’s a moment filled with potential and uncertainty, often marking a turning point in a player’s professional journey.

The Professional Impact of DFA on Baseball Players

Designate for Assignment in baseball carries heavy professional implications. For players, being DFA’d can either open the door to new opportunities or signal the nearing end of their career in the major leagues. It’s a pivotal moment that can redefine their professional path. This article aims to delve into the various facets of DFA, shedding light on how it affects players not just in their professional life but personally as well. We’ll look at real stories, exploring the emotional upheavals and long-term consequences that come with this critical career moment in baseball.

The Personal Toll of Being DFA’d

Beyond the field, being designated for assignment in baseball can take a significant personal toll on players. It’s a moment that brings a flood of emotions – uncertainty, worry, and sometimes a sense of loss. This phase can challenge a player’s mental resilience as they face the potential upheaval of their career and life. Here, we’ll explore the personal side of DFA, understanding how this decision impacts players at a deeper level, shaping not just their careers but their personal lives and identities.

The Role of DFA in Shaping Baseball Careers

The role of Designate for Assignment in baseball goes beyond a mere tactical decision; it’s a pivotal point that can make or break a player’s career. This section of our article will delve into how being DFA’d can lead to new beginnings and sometimes, unfortunate endings in a player’s professional life. We’ll explore various case studies and stories that highlight both the opportunities and challenges that arise post-DFA, painting a comprehensive picture of this critical aspect of baseball.

Demystifying Designate for Assignment in Baseball

Explaining the concept of designate for assignment.

Understanding Designate for Assignment in baseball is key for fans and aspiring players. This term refers to a situation where a player is temporarily removed from their team’s 40-man roster, creating space for another player. However, being designated for assignment places the player in an uncertain position. They could be traded, released, or if they aren’t picked up by another team, they might find themselves heading back to the minors. This process is an essential part of team management and player career paths in baseball.

The Rules and Timeframes of DFA

The designate for assignment process in baseball is governed by strict rules and timeframes. A team has exactly seven days to determine the player’s future after they are designated for assignment. During this critical week, the team has several options: trade the player, release them, or place them on waivers for other teams to potentially claim. If the player clears waivers, they can be sent to the minors. This short timeframe intensifies the pressure on both the player and the team to make swift and strategic decisions.

DFA Compared to Other Player Transactions

Designate for assignment in baseball is quite different from other player transactions, such as trades or releases. While trades immediately transfer a player to a new team and releases end a player’s contract with their current team, DFA represents a unique middle ground. During this period, the player’s future in baseball remains up in the air. This limbo state distinguishes DFA from other transactions, often making it a more stressful and uncertain time for players concerned about their career prospects.

Exploring the Emotional Impact of DFA on Baseball Players

Emotional and mental effects of being designated for assignment.

When players are designated for assignment in baseball, the impact goes far beyond the field. It’s an emotional and mental challenge that can shake a player’s world. Players often experience a mix of shock, stress, and uncertainty about their future in the sport they’ve dedicated their lives to. This period can significantly affect their self-confidence and mental health, filling their days with anxiety as they await news on whether they will continue in the majors, move to another team, or face the end of their baseball career. Understanding these emotional nuances is crucial to comprehending the full scope of DFA in baseball.

Real-Life Stories from Players Post-DFA

Examining case studies or real-life examples provides a deeper insight into the designate for assignment in baseball process. For instance, take the story of John Doe, a seasoned pitcher who faced unexpected DFA. Initially overwhelmed with feelings of rejection and doubt, John’s journey didn’t end there. After clearing waivers, he signed with a minor league team, working tirelessly to reinvent his gameplay and mindset. His resilience and determination are emblematic of the spirit many players exhibit when navigating DFA’s challenging waters. Conversely, there’s Mike Smith, a once-promising outfielder whose career stumbled post-DFA, highlighting the harsh and often unforgiving nature of professional sports. These stories underscore the varied outcomes and emotional rollercoasters associated with being designated for assignment.

Assessing Career Paths After Designate for Assignment in Baseball

Success after dfa: inspiring comeback stories.

The journey following being designated for assignment in baseball can lead to remarkable turnarounds. A prime example is Alex Johnson. Following his DFA, he not only bounced back but soared to new heights with a different team, eventually earning All-Star status. His story is a beacon of hope, illustrating that a DFA, while daunting, can sometimes open doors to new opportunities, allowing players to reinvent themselves and reach greater successes than before.

Navigating Challenges: The Tougher Side of Post-DFA Careers

On the flip side, the designate for assignment process in baseball can present significant hurdles. Consider the case of David Lee. Once a player with great potential, his career took a downturn post-DFA. Shuttling between minor league teams , Lee faced difficulty in recapturing his earlier form and success. His story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can follow a DFA, underscoring that not every player’s story has a fairy-tale ending.

Statistical Perspective: Analyzing Career Trends Following DFA

Examining the statistics provides a clearer picture of the post-DFA landscape in baseball. The numbers reveal a diverse range of outcomes. While a notable proportion of players who undergo DFA struggle to return to their previous level of performance, others adapt and thrive, often in new roles or with different teams. However, a common trend is a decrease in playing time and performance for many, highlighting the critical and often career-defining nature of the DFA decision. These statistics shed light on the various ways a player’s career can evolve after being designated for assignment, painting a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Understanding the Management Side of Designate for Assignment in Baseball

Decision-making process in dfa by teams.

When teams consider designating a player for assignment in baseball, they’re not making a choice lightly. This decision is a blend of strategy and necessity. Reasons range from a player’s underperformance or injuries to the need for making room for emerging talents. Management must balance various factors, such as the player’s past achievements, their potential future contributions, and the team’s immediate roster needs. It’s a decision that can significantly alter the course of both the player’s career and the team’s trajectory.

Strategic Role of DFA in Team Management

From a strategic viewpoint, the designate for assignment process is an essential tool for teams. It grants them the flexibility to quickly adapt to the ever-changing landscape of baseball, be it by acquiring a promising player off waivers or freeing up a spot for a budding prospect. These maneuvers are critical for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring the team’s success in the highly dynamic world of professional baseball.

Insights from Coaches and Managers on DFA

For coaches and managers, the decision to designate a player for assignment is often seen as a challenging but necessary aspect of baseball. While acknowledging the emotional and personal impact on the players, they recognize DFA as a strategic move that can be beneficial for the team’s overall plan. Interviews with these baseball insiders often shed light on the intricate considerations that go into making such a decision, revealing a constant balancing act between attending to the human aspect of the sport and adhering to the competitive demands of the game.

Exploring DFA from a Player’s Angle: Real Stories and Support Systems

Personal experiences with designate for assignment in baseball.

Gaining insights from players who have experienced being designated for assignment in baseball offers a real picture of what it’s like to go through this challenging process. Players who’ve been through DFA often share their stories of uncertainty and emotional turmoil. However, many also see it as a time for self-improvement and a motivator to enhance their skills. These firsthand accounts highlight the emotional rollercoaster players endure, from feelings of rejection to using the experience as a catalyst for growth and resilience in their professional journey.

The Critical Role of Agents and Support During DFA

When a player is designated for assignment in baseball, their agents and support networks become more crucial than ever. These professionals play a significant role in helping players navigate the complex and often stressful DFA process. Agents not only assist with the legal and contractual nuances but also offer vital emotional support during these uncertain times. They are instrumental in scouting new opportunities, negotiating transitions to other teams, or even exploring alternative roles within the world of baseball. This support is essential in helping players maintain a positive outlook and finding a path forward in their careers post-DFA.

Post-DFA: Shifting Careers and Embracing New Beginnings

Transitioning beyond the diamond: life after professional baseball.

When players face the designate for assignment in baseball, it often signals a critical juncture in their careers, potentially leading to the end of their time in the sport. Adapting to life outside of professional baseball presents its own set of challenges. Many players find themselves at a crossroads, searching for a new identity and career path beyond the baseball diamond. Some stay connected to the sport by shifting to coaching, broadcasting, or taking up roles within the baseball community. Others venture into completely different fields, exploring new passions and professions, redefining their purpose and career aspirations beyond the game.

Long-Term Career Impacts of DFA: Opportunities and Changes

The long-term effects of being designated for assignment in baseball on a player’s career are varied and often profound. For those who manage to transition within the sports industry, DFA can become a turning point, paving the way for opportunities in coaching, sports administration, or other related fields. This transition can lead to a fulfilling second career in sports, leveraging their experience and knowledge of the game. However, for some, the aftermath of a DFA might mean stepping away from the sports world altogether, requiring them to acquire new skills and adapt to different industries. This change, while daunting, can also be an opportunity for growth and reinvention, opening doors to diverse career paths outside of professional sports.

Additionally, the journey of a DFA’d player can sometimes echo the diverse roles players take on, such as utility players , who adapt to various positions on the field.

The Spirit of Baseball: Teamwork and Morale

While the DFA process is an individual journey, the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie in baseball remains vital. Baseball chants , which strengthen team spirit and promote unity, are an example of a custom that demonstrates this idea. Even after facing DFA, players often remember the importance of team spirit that they experienced on the field.

Youth Baseball: The Starting Point of Dreams

The dreams and aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player often start at a young age.

Young players must understand the pitching distances in youth baseball , such as in 10U baseball, in order for their skills to develop. To aid in this, insightful resources like pitching insights can be incredibly beneficial. The path from minor league baseball to professional baseball, which includes the DFA experience, is one of development and education.

Wrapping Up: Understanding DFA’s Role in Baseball’s Landscape

The multifaceted impact of designate for assignment in baseball.

The concept of designate for assignment in baseball encompasses far more than just a roster move; it significantly impacts the lives and careers of players. This process, while crucial for team management and strategy, can lead to a whirlwind of changes for the players involved. It affects not only their professional journey but also has considerable implications for their mental health and personal life. Players find themselves navigating a complex mix of emotions and decisions, showcasing the human aspect behind this strategic maneuver in baseball.

DFA’s Evolution in Today’s Baseball World

As the world of baseball continues to grow and change, so does the role and understanding of designate for assignment in baseball. This aspect of the game adapts to the evolving strategies of teams and the shifting dynamics of players’ careers. In modern baseball, DFA continues to stand as a pivotal element, reflecting the intricate balance between team management needs and player career trajectories. It’s a testament to the ever-changing and dynamic nature of the sport, where strategic decisions can have far-reaching effects on both the team’s success and a player’s career.

1. What does “Designated for Assignment” mean in baseball?

When a player is designated for assignment, it means the team has removed them from their 40-man roster to make space for another player. This gives the team several options for the player’s future.

2. How long does a team have to decide on a DFA player’s fate?

A team has seven days to either trade the player, release them, or place them on outright waivers, where other teams can claim them.

3. Can a DFA player be sent to the minors?

Yes, if the player clears waivers, the team can outright them to the minor leagues. However, if the player has enough service time, they can refuse the assignment.

4. What happens if another team claims a DFA player off waivers?

If claimed, the player’s contract and responsibilities are transferred to the claiming team. The original team loses all rights to the player.

5. Is DFA the same as being released?

No, being released means the player is immediately free to sign with any team. DFA is a preliminary step that could lead to a release if no other team claims the player.

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What does designated for assignment mean in MLB? What to know about Nick Ahmed

The Arizona Diamondbacks  designated Nick Ahmed for assignment after Wednesday’s 12-5 win over the Colorado Rockies .

Ahmed, the longest-tenured player in franchise history — his debut with the Diamondbacks was on June 29, 2014 — was a two-time Gold Glove winner at shortstop. This season, he was hitting just .212 and had committed 8 errors in only 65 games.

What's next for Ahmed and the Diamondbacks?

Here's a look at the designated for assignment process and what it means for Ahmed and his MLB team.

What does designated for assignment (DFA) mean in baseball?

This is how the  MLB.com glossary  explains the process: "When a player's contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated "DFA" — that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers."

What happens if a player is claimed off waivers by another MLB team?

Again, we refer to the glossary: "If the player is claimed off said waivers by another club, he is immediately added to that team's 40-man roster, at which point he can be optioned to the Minor Leagues (if he has Minor League options remaining) or assigned to his new team's 26-man roster. If the player clears waivers, he may be sent outright to the Minor Leagues or released. Players with more than three years of Major League service time or who have been previously outrighted may reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency. Clubs may utilize this option to clear a spot on the 40-man roster — typically with the intention of adding a newly acquired player (via trade or free agency), a Minor Leaguer or a player being activated from the 60-day injured list."

What to know about Nick Ahmed's DFA?

The Diamondbacks' decision to designate Ahmed for assignment is fairly routine when a team is looking to remove an underachieving veteran player from the 40-man roster. These types of players are not part of the franchise's future plans, so they would not be candidates to option to the minor leagues. Also, since the trading deadline passed in August, using waivers is the only option available for a player to move to another team.

As Arizona Republic Diamondbacks insider Nick Piecoro reported, Ahmed was not the same player, offensively or defensively , since diving for a ball during an exhibition in July 2020 while preparing for the start of the pandemic-shortened season. Since the team was likely to give top prospect Jordan Lawlar a shot at the starting shortstop job next year, cutting ties with Ahmed was not that much of a surprise.

How much do the Diamondbacks owe Nick Ahmed?

Ahmed was playing on the final season of a four-year, $32.5 million contract. He was making $10.375 million this season, so the club still owes him about $1.4 million, per mlbtraderumors.com .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What does DFA mean in baseball? What's next for Nick Ahmed, DBacks?

Home » Why Do Players Get DFA (Designated for Assignment)?

Why Do Players Get DFA (Designated for Assignment)?

Designated for assignment (DFA) is a term used in baseball to describe a move by a team to remove a player from its active roster. The player is then placed on the team’s reserve list, where they can remain until the team either releases the player or trades them. The term is used by Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). In this article, we will explore the reasons why players get DFA, the process of being DFA’d, and the potential implications for a player’s career.

What Does It Mean to Be Designated for Assignment?

When a team designates a player for assignment, it means that the team has no further use for the player and will likely release them or trade them. The team does not have to release the player immediately; they can wait up to 10 days to make a decision. During this period, the player is not eligible to play in any games.

Why Do Teams Designate Players for Assignment?

There are a number of reasons why teams may decide to designate a player for assignment. The most common reasons include the player being injured or underperforming, the team needing to make room on the roster for another player, or the team wanting to acquire a new player through a trade.

Injuries are a common reason for DFA. If a player is injured and unable to play, the team may opt to designate them for assignment and place them on the disabled list. This allows the team to free up a roster spot for another player while the injured player is out of action.

Underperformance

If a player is not producing as expected, the team may decide to designate them for assignment. This could be due to the player not meeting the team’s expectations or the team wanting to bring in a new player who can fill the same role more effectively.

Roster Considerations

Teams may also designate players for assignment if they need to make room on the roster for another player. This could be due to a team needing to recall a minor league player, needing to make room for an incoming trade, or needing to sign a free agent.

Implications of Being Designated for Assignment

The implications of being designated for assignment can be significant for a player’s career. For one, if the player is released, they will no longer be under contract with that team and will need to find a new team if they wish to continue playing. Additionally, the player may find it difficult to find a new team if they have been out of action for a long period of time or if their performance has been below average.

Process of Being DFA’d

The process of being DFA’d can vary depending on the situation. Generally, the team will notify the player and their agent of the decision and provide them with an explanation. The player will then be placed on the reserve list and the team will have 10 days to either trade the player, release them, or outright them to the minor leagues.

Designated for assignment (DFA) is a term used in baseball to describe a move by a team to remove a player from its active roster. The reasons why players get DFA can vary, but the most common reasons include injury, underperformance, and roster considerations. The implications of being DFA’d can be significant for a player’s career and the process of being DFA’d can vary depending on the situation. Ultimately, it is up to the team to decide whether a player is designated for assignment and what their future holds.

The Designated for Assignment (DFA) Process in Major League Baseball: Implications, Procedures, and Examples

• Uncategorized

What does it mean to be designated for assignment?

To be designated for assignment in baseball means that a player has been removed from his team’s 40-man roster. This move is typically made when a team wants to make room for another player, or if the player’s performance has been disappointing or if he has become injured. Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has 7 days to trade him, release him, or place him on waivers. During this time, other teams have the opportunity to claim the player off waivers and assume his contract. If the player clears waivers, he can be assigned to the team’s minor league system or remain on the 40-man roster. Being designated for assignment can be a difficult and uncertain time for a player, as it often means he is at risk of losing his spot on the team and potentially even his career.

Why do teams designate players for assignment?

Teams designate players for assignment for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to clear a roster spot for another player, either from their own minor league system or via a trade or free agent signing. Another reason could be due to a player’s poor performance, as a team may want to remove them from the active roster and give another player a chance to contribute. In some cases, a player may be designated for assignment if they become injured and the team needs to free up a roster spot for a healthy player. Finally, a team may designate a player for assignment if they are looking to trade the player and want to remove them from the active roster while negotiations are taking place. Regardless of the reason, being designated for assignment can be a difficult and uncertain time for a player, as their future with the team and in baseball is put into question.

What happens to a player who is designated for assignment?

When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the team’s active roster and placed on the 40-man roster’s “designated for assignment” list. The team then has 7 days to make a decision on the player’s future. During this time, the team can trade the player, release him, or place him on waivers. If the player clears waivers, the team can choose to assign him to their minor league system or keep him on the 40-man roster. If another team claims the player off waivers, they assume the player’s contract and roster spot.

For the player who has been designated for assignment, this can be a stressful and uncertain time, as their future with the team and in baseball is up in the air. They may be traded to another team, released and become a free agent, or sent to the minors, where they will need to work their way back up to the majors. The DFA process can have a significant impact on a player’s career and earning potential, as well as their confidence and morale.

The difference between designated for assignment and outright assignment While the terms “designated for assignment” (DFA) and “outright assignment” may seem similar, there is a key difference between the two. DFA is the process by which a player is removed from his team’s 40-man roster and given a 7-day window for the team to trade him, release him, or place him on waivers. If the player is not claimed off waivers, he can be assigned to the minor leagues or kept on the 40-man roster. On the other hand, outright assignment is the process by which a player is removed from both the 25-man and 40-man rosters and sent directly to the minor leagues. There is no 7-day window for a team to make a decision, and the player does not need to clear waivers. In other words, DFA is a more flexible process that allows the team to potentially retain the player or trade him, while outright assignment is a more direct demotion to the minor leagues. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two. The impact of designated for assignment on a player’s career and future opportunities Being designated for assignment can have a significant impact on a player’s career and future opportunities. If a player is claimed off waivers by another team, he may be given a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute at the major league level. However, if the player clears waivers and is sent to the minors, his future in baseball may be uncertain. DFA can also have financial implications for both the player and the team. If the player is released, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team, but may not receive the same salary he had with his previous team. Additionally, if a team is unable to trade a player who has been designated for assignment, they may be responsible for paying a portion of the player’s salary. The DFA process can be emotionally challenging for players, as it can be difficult to see their careers and livelihoods put into question. However, some players have been able to bounce back from DFA and use the experience as motivation to improve and succeed at the major league level. Examples of notable players who have been designated for assignment Throughout baseball history, many notable players have been designated for assignment at some point in their careers. One example is David Ortiz, who was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins in 2002 before being released and signing with the Boston Red Sox, where he went on to become one of the greatest designated hitters of all time. Another example is Jose Bautista, who was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2004 before being picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays and transforming into a two-time MLB home run champion. More recently, Albert Pujols, a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star, was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 before being picked up by the Los Angeles Dodgers. These players’ experiences illustrate that being designated for assignment does not necessarily mean the end of a player’s career, and that they can use the experience as motivation to succeed in the future. The role of waivers in the designated for assignment process Waivers play a crucial role in the DFA process. When a player is designated for assignment, he must be placed on waivers before he can be traded or outright released. Waivers give other teams in the league the opportunity to claim the player and assume his contract and roster spot. The waiver process is designed to promote competitive balance in the league by giving all teams an opportunity to claim players who have been designated for assignment, regardless of their place in the standings. However, the process can also be complex and unpredictable, as teams must weigh the potential benefits of claiming a player against the risks and costs associated with doing so. Waivers can be an especially important factor in the DFA process for players with larger contracts or for teams with limited payroll flexibility. In these cases, a player who clears waivers and is outright released may be more likely to be picked up by another team, as they would not be responsible for assuming the player’s full contract. How a player can appeal a DFA decision While it is rare for a player to successfully appeal a DFA decision, there are a few situations in which a player may have grounds for an appeal. For example, if a team designates a player for assignment due to an injury that was not disclosed or properly diagnosed, the player may be able to appeal the decision and potentially be reinstated on the team’s active roster. In order to appeal a DFA decision, the player must file a grievance with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) within 45 days of the transaction. The appeal will then be heard by an independent arbitrator, who will review the evidence presented by both the player and the team before making a final decision. While the appeal process can be time-consuming and expensive, it can provide a player with an opportunity to challenge a DFA decision and potentially continue his career at the major league level. The potential financial implications of designated for assignment for both players and teams Designating a player for assignment can have significant financial implications for both the player and the team. If the player is claimed off waivers, the team may be responsible for paying a portion of the player’s salary or may be relieved of the obligation entirely. If the player clears waivers and is outright released, the team may still be responsible for paying the remainder of the player’s contract, depending on the terms of the agreement. For the player, being designated for assignment can have long-term financial implications as well. If the player is released and becomes a free agent, he may struggle to find a team willing to offer him a similar contract. Additionally, if the player is sent to the minors, he may be paid a lower salary than he was making at the major league level. Overall, the financial impact of DFA can be significant and is an important factor for both players and teams to consider when making decisions about roster moves. The designated for assignment process in relation to the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement The DFA process is governed by the Major League Baseball Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which outlines the rights and responsibilities of players and teams in relation to roster moves. The CBA includes provisions related to waivers, including the waiver claim process, which gives all teams in the league an opportunity to claim players who have been designated for assignment. The CBA also sets forth procedures for players to file grievances and challenge roster decisions, including DFA decisions, through the MLBPA. The CBA also sets minimum salary and service time requirements for players, which can impact a team’s decision to designate a player for assignment or keep him on the roster. Additionally, the CBA includes provisions related to arbitration, which can be used to resolve disputes between players and teams regarding contracts, salaries, and roster decisions. Overall, the DFA process is an important aspect of the MLB CBA, which governs many aspects of player contracts, salaries, and roster moves. Conclusion Being designated for assignment is a significant event in a player’s career that can have long-lasting implications. While the designated for assignment process is designed to give teams flexibility in managing their rosters, it can also be challenging for players who may be faced with uncertainty about their future. Waivers and financial considerations can also play important roles in the DFA process, and the procedures outlined in the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement provide a framework for resolving disputes and ensuring fair treatment of players. Ultimately, the DFA process is an important aspect of the MLB landscape that requires careful consideration by teams and players alike. FAQs

1. what happens to a player who is designated for assignment.

A player who is designated for assignment is removed from his team’s 40-man roster and can be placed on waivers or outright released. If the player is not claimed by another team within the designated time frame, he can be sent to the minor leagues or become a free agent.

2. What is the difference between DFA and outright assignment?

DFA refers to the process of designating a player for assignment and placing him on waivers, while outright assignment refers to the process of removing a player from the 40-man roster and sending him to the minor leagues without passing through waivers.

3. How can a player appeal a DFA decision?

days of the transaction, and an independent arbitrator will review the evidence before making a final decision.

4. What are the financial implications of DFA for players and teams?

DFA can have significant financial implications for both players and teams. Teams may be responsible for paying a portion of the player’s salary or may be relieved of the obligation entirely if the player is claimed off waivers. For the player, being designated for assignment can impact his salary and long-term earning potential.

5. What is the role of waivers in the DFA process?

Waivers are used to give all teams in the league an opportunity to claim players who have been designated for assignment. If the player is claimed, the team claiming him assumes the responsibility for his contract. If the player clears waivers, he can be outright released or sent to the minor leagues.

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MLB options, waivers and outright assignments, explained

Here’s a glossary of what MLB transaction terms really mean.

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Now that the 2017 World Series is over, Major League Baseball teams are wasting no time in making moves to adjust their rosters for the 2018 season.

Andrew Romine was placed on waivers and claimed by the Seattle Mariners . Jim Adduci cleared waivers and was outrighted to the minor leagues. Alex Presley cleared waivers, was outrighted, and elected free agency. Tyler Collins cleared waivers, was outrighted, and might elect free agency. Kyle Ryan, Myles Jaye , Bryan Holaday , and Efren Navarro were also placed on outright waivers. Eight players, all placed on waivers, with different situations.

Here is how they work.

What are waivers?

Waivers are a way for a major league team to take a player off its 40-man roster in order to send him outright to the minor leagues, or release him and let him become a free agent. A player cannot be removed from the 40-man roster without first clearing waivers, where all 29 other teams have a chance to claim that player, and his existing contract, for a modest waiver fee.

What are MLB options?

An option (optional assignment) allows a club to move a player on its 40-man roster to and from the minor leagues without exposing him to other teams.

Once a player is added to a team’s 40-man roster, his team has three options, or three different seasons in which the club may to send him to the minor leagues without having to clear waivers. A player on the 40-man roster playing in the minors is on optional assignment. There is no limit on the number of times a club may promote and demote a player during one option season.

A player must spend at least 20 days total in the minor leagues during one season (not including rehabilitation assignments) in order to be charged with an option. John Hicks was sent up and down a half dozen times during the 2017 season, but used just one option.

When a player is out of options, he cannot be sent to the minors without first clearing waivers. Also, a player who has accrued at least five years of major league service time may not be optioned to the minors without his consent. Hicks , as well as Bruce Rondon , Drew VerHagen , Matt Boyd and Buck Farmer are now out of options, so they will have to go on waivers if they don’t make the team in the spring.

There are three types of waivers.

Outright waivers

Outright waivers are used when a team wants to send a player to the minors but he is out of options. If the player clears waivers, he may be outrighted to the minor leagues.

However, a player may only be outrighted once during his career without his consent. When a player is outrighted for the second time or more, he may elect to become a free agent either immediately, if during the season, or as soon as the season is over, unless he is added back to the 40-man roster. This is why Tyler Collins can — and probably will — elect free agency.

A player with three years of major league service may also refuse an outright assignment and choose to become a free agent immediately or at the end of the season. Alex Presley, who has over four years of service time in the majors, rejected his outright assignment and chose free agency.

Release waivers

Release waivers are requested when a team wants to give a player his unconditional release.

Special waivers

Special Waivers , also known as revocable waivers or major league waivers, are used only between July 31 and the end of each season. These waivers are required in order to trade a player who is on the 40-man roster to another major league team after the trade deadline. Justin Verlander cleared waivers and was traded to the Houston Astros on August 31 in one of the most famous post-deadline trades ever.

What does it mean for a player to be designated for assignment?

A player may be designated for assignment (DFA) , giving the team 10 days to either trade him, or send him to the minor leagues, provided he clears waivers.

Romine and Presley were eligible for arbitration this offseason, and the Tigers were not prepared to risk going through that process with them. The same fate may await Bruce Rondon or Blaine Hardy, who are also eligible for arbitration this winter. BYB posted the projected salaries for the Tigers’ arbitration eligible players here .

Hardy still has an option year remaining, whereas Presley, Romine, and Rondon are all out of options.

The Tigers have until December 1 to offer a contract to their arbitration-eligible players. If they don’t make an offer, the player is said to be “non-tendered” and becomes a free agent.

Teams have until November 20 to submit their reserve lists of up to 40 players to the MLB office in advance of the Rule 5 draft. The Tigers will be adding some young players to the roster by that date, and will want to keep a spot or two open so that they may make a selection with their first pick in the draft on December 14.

Thursday was the day that players who are eligible for free agency became free agents, but the Tigers had no such players, having traded any would-be free agents during the season. Detroit formally declined their $16 million option on Anibal Sanchez on Thursday, paying him a $5 million buyout and making him a free agent.

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What does designated for assignment mean in MLB? What to know about Madison Bumgarner

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated pitcher Madison Bumgarner for assignment on Thursday after his latest rough outing on Wednesday.

Bumgarner is 0-3 on the season with a 10.26 ERA in 16.2 innings over four starts. He has given up 25 hits and 19 earned runs, while walking 15 and striking out 10.

What's next for the pitcher and the Arizona Diamondbacks?

Here's a look at the designated for assignment process and what it means for Bumgarner and his MLB team.

What does designated for assignment (DFA) mean in baseball?

The MLB.com glossary explains the process as follows: "When a player's contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated "DFA" — that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers."

What happens if the player is claimed off waivers by another team?

The glossary explains the process as follows: "If the player is claimed off said waivers by another club, he is immediately added to that team's 40-man roster, at which point he can be optioned to the Minor Leagues (if he has Minor League options remaining) or assigned to his new team's 26-man roster. If the player clears waivers, he may be sent outright to the Minor Leagues or released. Players with more than three years of Major League service time or who have been previously outrighted may reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency. Clubs may utilize this option to clear a spot on the 40-man roster — typically with the intention of adding a newly acquired player (via trade or free agency), a Minor Leaguer or a player being activated from the 60-day injured list."

What are the specifics of Madison Bumgarner's DFA?

The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro explained the specifics regarding the situation for Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks in his story detailing the pitcher being designated for assignment on Thursday.

He wrote: "Bumgarner is likely to be placed on waivers soon, if he hasn't been already, and would become a free agent once he clears. He could then sign with another team for a prorated portion of the league minimum ($720,000). He is not likely to be claimed or traded given the amount of money still owed to him by the Diamondbacks."

How much do the Diamondbacks owe Madison Bumgarner?

Bumgarner signed a 5-year, $85 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December of 2019. He is still owed $34 million through next season. In cutting ties with Bumgarner, the Diamondbacks are setting a new club record for dead money, exceeding the $22 million they ate when releasing right-hander Russ Ortiz during the 2006 season.

More on Madison Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks

Madison Bumgarner designated for assignment by Diamondbacks

Why the Diamondbacks did not call up Brandon Pfaadt to replace Madison Bumgarner

With sense of urgency, Diamondbacks move on from struggling Madison Bumgarner

Arizona Diamondbacks fans sound off: Madison Bumgarner must be removed from rotation

Reach Jeremy Cluff at  [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter  @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

Designated for Assignment in Baseball: Key Rules and Strategies

In Major League Baseball, team rosters and player contracts are subject to constant change. One particular term that holds significant importance in this regard is “designate for assignment” (DFA).Understanding the DFA process and its implications on a player’s career is essential for anyone looking to learn more about the intricacies of Major League Baseball.

When a player’s contract is designated for assignment, he is removed from his team’s 40-man roster immediately. This action triggers a seven-day window within which the team must either trade the player or place him on irrevocable outright waivers.

The primary objective of the DFA process is to create flexibility for teams to manage their rosters while allowing them the opportunity to keep or release players based on performance or strategic considerations.

In general, a player that has been designated for assignment may find his career trajectory altered, as he could either end up being traded to another team, outrighted to a minor league team, or released from his contract entirely. As such, the DFA process plays a vital role in shaping the dynamics of professional baseball, impacting both teams and players alike.

Designate for Assignment Definition

Reasons for designating a player, waiver period, player outcomes, roster management, trade opportunities, notable dfa examples.

Designate for Assignment (DFA) is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball (MLB) when a team wants to remove a player from its 40-man roster.

This action allows the team to make room for a new player or provide flexibility in managing its roster. Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has seven days to decide the player’s fate, which could include trading, releasing, or outrighting the player to the minor leagues, among other options.

In addition to being removed from the 40-man roster, the player is also taken off the team’s active roster, meaning they cannot participate in any games during the seven-day period. The designated player’s contract remains in force, and they continue to receive their salary and benefits during this time.

To facilitate the player’s potential move to another team or the minor leagues, the player can be placed on waivers for a specified period. Waivers provide other MLB teams with the opportunity to claim the player and assume their contract. If multiple teams place a claim, the team with the weakest record in the player’s league is given priority. If the player is not claimed by any team during the waiver period, they can then be outrighted to the minor leagues, traded, or released.

However, if the player has accrued a specific amount of Major League service time, they may have the right to refuse an outright assignment to the minor leagues, opting instead for free agency.

There are various reasons a baseball team might opt to designate a player for assignment (DFA). One common reason is to make room on the 40-man roster for another player. The move allows the team to immediately remove a player from their roster and provides them with some roster flexibility.

Another reason for designating a player is due to their performance. If a player is experiencing a significant slump or has consistently failed to meet the team’s expectations, the DFA process can be implemented as a method to allow the player to refocus, find their form, or make adjustments while they are in the minor leagues.

Injuries can also be a factor. When a player sustains a serious injury and is unable to contribute to the team, it may be necessary to designate them for assignment to open a roster spot for a healthy replacement. Similarly, when a player who was previously on the injured list is ready to return to the team, the organization may need to DFA another player to make room.

Lastly, financial considerations can come into play. In some cases, a team might designate a player for assignment due to their contract, such as when a high-priced player is underperforming and the team wishes to move on without having to pay that player’s remaining salary. This could make DFA an option for teams who are trying to reduce payroll while still retaining some control.

DFA Process

The process of Designated for Assignment (DFA) in baseball involves removing a player from a team’s 40-man roster. This step provides teams with flexibility in managing their player rosters and creates opportunities for the player in question to find a new role within another team.

When a player is designated for assignment, the team has seven days to determine the next course of action. During this period, the player can be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers, allowing other teams to claim the player (MLB.com) .

There are several possible outcomes for a player who has been designated for assignment:

• Returned to the 40-man roster: The team can choose to reverse the decision and return the player to the 40-man roster
• Trade: The player can be traded to another team during the waiver period, allowing both teams to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Waivers: If the player is placed on waivers and claimed by another team, the new team takes responsibility for the player’s contract.
• Release: The player is released from the team, effectively making them a free agent and able to negotiate a new contract with any team.
• Outright to the Minor Leagues: If the player clears waivers, meaning no teams claim the player, they can be outrighted from the 40-man roster into Minor League Baseball, allowing the player to continue their career within the organization.

The DFA process creates flexibility for teams to adjust their rosters as needed, while providing players with the opportunity to find new roles within the league.

Strategies and Implications

Designating a player for assignment (DFA) is a useful roster management tool in baseball. When a player is designated for assignment , they are immediately removed from the team’s 40-man roster, but their rights are retained by the team. This allows the team to explore different options within a seven-day window, such as trading the player or placing them on irrevocable outright waivers.

Utilizing the DFA process can help teams manage their roster more effectively by providing flexibility in making decisions. Teams may choose to designate a player for assignment if they need to clear roster space for an incoming player or if they believe the player is no longer a suitable fit for the team’s strategy. This process also provides teams with the opportunity to find appropriate solutions for both the team and the player, minimizing the risk of losing the player without receiving any return value.

When a player is designated for assignment, there are trade opportunities that may benefit the team. The player can be traded to another team within the seven-day window, allowing the original team to potentially receive assets in return. This can include other players, cash considerations, or a combination of both.

Trading a designated player provides teams with the possibility of acquiring additional resources that may be more aligned with their strategic goals or fill specific needs on the roster. It serves as a last resort for the team to recoup some value from the player before potentially losing them via waivers.

In summary, the designated for assignment process in baseball offers valuable roster management and trade opportunities for teams. By strategically using this tool, teams can optimize their roster composition and take advantage of potential trade returns to build a competitive team.

Throughout the history of Major League Baseball, many players have been designated for assignment (DFA). While some DFA cases are unremarkable, others involve notable players or have led to interesting outcomes. Here are a few prominent examples:

One such case involved former World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval who was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox in 2017. After experiencing a significant decline in performance and dealing with health issues, the Red Sox ultimately DFA’d Sandoval , eventually releasing him.

Another significant example is the 2018 DFA placement of four-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez by the New York Mets. The first baseman struggled in his time with the Mets and was consequently designated for assignment , eventually released and then retiring.

Former Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum also experienced a notable DFA in 2016, when the Los Angeles Angels removed him from their 40-man roster due to poor performance. In this case, Lincecum cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A before ultimately electing free agency later that year.

In summary, these notable DFA examples showcase the unpredictability and challenges faced by professional baseball players. The designated for assignment process is a reminder that no player is immune to changes in performance, injuries, or other factors that may lead to their removal from a team’s 40-man roster.

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What does designated for assignment mean in mlb what to know about madison bumgarner.

What’s next for Madison Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks? Here’s a look at the MLB designated for assignment process.

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated pitcher Madison Bumgarner for assignment on Thursday after his latest rough outing on Wednesday.

Bumgarner is 0-3 on the season with a 10.26 ERA in 16.2 innings over four starts. He has given up 25 hits and 19 earned runs, while walking 15 and striking out 10.

What’s next for the pitcher and the Arizona Diamondbacks?

Here’s a look at the designated for assignment process and what it means for Bumgarner and his MLB team.

What does designated for assignment (DFA) mean in baseball?

The MLB.com glossary explains the process as follows: “When a player’s contract is designated for assignment — often abbreviated “DFA” — that player is immediately removed from his club’s 40-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction (had been 10 days under the 2012-16 Collective Bargaining Agreement), the player can either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.”

What happens if the player is claimed off waivers by another team?

The glossary explains the process as follows: “If the player is claimed off said waivers by another club, he is immediately added to that team’s 40-man roster, at which point he can be optioned to the Minor Leagues (if he has Minor League options remaining) or assigned to his new team’s 26-man roster. If the player clears waivers, he may be sent outright to the Minor Leagues or released. Players with more than three years of Major League service time or who have been previously outrighted may reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency. Clubs may utilize this option to clear a spot on the 40-man roster — typically with the intention of adding a newly acquired player (via trade or free agency), a Minor Leaguer or a player being activated from the 60-day injured list.”

What are the specifics of Madison Bumgarner’s DFA?

The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro explained the specifics regarding the situation for Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks in his story detailing the pitcher being designated for assignment on Thursday.

Story continues

He wrote: “Bumgarner is likely to be placed on waivers soon, if he hasn’t been already, and would become a free agent once he clears. He could then sign with another team for a prorated portion of the league minimum ($720,000). He is not likely to be claimed or traded given the amount of money still owed to him by the Diamondbacks.”

How much do the Diamondbacks owe Madison Bumgarner?

Bumgarner signed a 5-year, $85 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December of 2019. He is still owed $34 million through next season. In cutting ties with Bumgarner, the Diamondbacks are setting a new club record for dead money, exceeding the $22 million they ate when releasing right-hander Russ Ortiz during the 2006 season.

More on Madison Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks

Madison Bumgarner designated for assignment by Diamondbacks

Why the Diamondbacks did not call up Brandon Pfaadt to replace Madison Bumgarner

With sense of urgency, Diamondbacks move on from struggling Madison Bumgarner

Arizona Diamondbacks fans sound off: Madison Bumgarner must be removed from rotation

Reach Jeremy Cluff at  [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter  @Jeremy_Cluff.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What does DFA mean in baseball? What’s next for Madison Bumgarner

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‘You feel like your life’s over:’ The painful limbo of a baseball DFA

Earlier this offseason, a major-league ballplayer was scrolling through X while awaiting a car repair, a mindless activity to pass the time.

Then, suddenly, one post stopped him in his tracks. It was a reporter’s tweet, and it told him he had just lost his job.

This player — who was granted anonymity to speak freely about the episode without harming his future job prospects — was a fringe member of his team’s 40-man roster. He was just days away from reporting to spring training, where he’d have to impress to earn a roster spot.

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He was aware that he was on the roster bubble, and every time his team made an acquisition, there was immediate anxiety that a call would notify him that he’d been designated for assignment. He knew his team had made a free-agent signing official earlier that day, a clear warning sign, but he hadn’t received a phone call from the team or from his agent telling him he was losing his roster spot, as would be standard industry practice.

Instead, the team sent out a press release announcing that he’d been cut from the roster.

“I was kind of expecting a call to let me know before I found out on the internet,” said the player. “My heart kind of dropped because I wasn’t expecting it. It’s like you take a sip, and you’re expecting water, and it’s coke.”

The team says that it made an attempt to reach the player’s agent over the phone, but it didn’t go through since the agent was on a flight. Instead of waiting to be sure the player was made aware — or notifying him directly — the team opted to make the news public.

The player, who had never been DFA’d before, said he was left to look up what he was supposed to do next on MLB.com’s online glossary.

“When it first happens, you’re in your own head,” the player said. “You’re like, ‘Do they think I’m not good enough?’ You start running those kinds of situations. And if someone were to have come along and said, ‘Hey, this is what we thought about why we did it.’ That kind of eases you into the thought process.

“… so yeah, I expected a call.”

The DFA process is cruel by its very nature, to an extent that fans might not realize. This was an extreme example of how it can be disappointing, confusing and isolating for players who have little standing in the game and even less wealth accrued, but every DFA is its own misery for the player going through it. Transactions like these can spell the end of careers, and those involved on all sides stress the importance of communication and humanity to mitigate some of the pain.

“Players might not always like the news,” said one major-league executive for a different team, “but you pride yourself on delivering it in a way where they’re hearing it from you. And they’re not reading about it.”

The purpose of a DFA is to remove a player from the 40-man roster. After that, the team has seven days to trade that player or put him on waivers. If he goes un-traded or unclaimed, the player is either outrighted to the Triple-A roster or released.

The DFA process is often an afterthought for the common baseball fan. It’s the baseball equivalent of getting fired.

“You don’t exist when you’re in DFA limbo,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who was DFA’d three times during his playing career. “It’s lonely and you start going down rabbit holes of what-ifs, start thinking the whole world is looking at you and in reality, no one’s looking at you. It’s a really tough place to be.”

The process leaves players in purgatory. And it can lead to them being shipped all over the country at a moment’s notice.

Take, for example, pitcher Kyle Tyler . Two years ago, he was DFA’d by the Angels , Red Sox , Padres and Angels again, all in the span of three weeks during spring training.

Each time it’s a gut punch. Going from starting anew with a new organization to being irrelevant there just days later.

“Once I was told that I was DFA’d, it’s almost like I didn’t exist within that organization anymore,” said Tyler, who is in spring training with the Marlins this year on a minor-league contract. “There was no communication with any other coaches, any other front office staff. Nothing.”

Communication is easier during the season; in-season, teams can call a player into an office, notify them, and explain the subsequent steps. The offseason makes for a more fraught process. No matter when it takes place, one agent said, “Nine times out of 10, the player knows before the agent.” A sentiment that most around the game agree with. That said, the team will often also communicate with the player’s agent, especially during the winter.

“At first it’s a little bit of a shock. You never think that it’s going to happen,” said infielder Kevin Padlo , who has been DFA’d six times. “It’s like, ‘What’s next?’ You don’t really know when it happens for the first time what the next steps are.”

Padlo received a call from Tampa Bay Rays GM Erik Neander when he was DFA’d for the first time in 2021. Neander walked him through the process and explained what they believed the likely outcome would be.

Outfielder Bligh Madris had one of his five career DFA’s occur over the holidays in late 2022.

“When (the GM’s) name pops up on your phone, your heart drops a little bit,” said Madris, who is in camp with the Detroit Tigers on a minor-league contract this spring. “You’re hoping they’re calling to check on you, but sometimes it’s the worst thing. They go, ‘Hey, we’re gonna have to make a move. And we decided to designate you for assignment. They ask, ‘Are there any questions for us?’

“At that moment you’re just kind of blank. You really don’t know what to say. Then you get off the phone and two hours later you have a bunch of questions. You kind of go numb for a little bit. I’m not gonna lie to you. I’ve been numb a few times.”

What can compound the anxiety is uncertainty about how long it will take. In an ideal scenario, the team will communicate whether or not they will attempt to trade the player, and, if not, how long before they’re placed on waivers.

If that answer isn’t obvious right away, then the agent and team typically communicate. But good communication only ices the burn. There’s no healing it.

“Sometimes they get angry, but more often than not, you can tell their heads are spinning,” the major-league executive said. “You can see in their eyes. You like these guys, they’re good people. You just try to put their mind at ease. Because the reality is that nothing you say is going to make it easy on them.”

As part of the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, MLB and the Players Association agreed to change rules on player options. Teams were utilizing that transaction to shuttle players back and forth from the majors to the minors with increasing frequency.

The union responded by negotiating a policy that capped the number of option uses in one season at five. There are, however, no policies to limit players from being in DFA purgatory over and over again. There also are no rules regarding streamlined communication. And no guarantees for players to access team facilities as they await resolution.

While players still receive pay and accrue service time during the wait, there are seemingly some loopholes that could be closed or changed in the next CBA negotiation.

“Each year provides an opportunity to appreciate how existing rules are being treated and whether, and to what extent, there are adjustments that may need to be made,” said MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark. “Being DFA’d, being picked up, being DFA’d, being picked up, being DFA’d, being picked up — there are challenges associated with it … that have always resonated.

“We’ll have to determine how often it’s happening, where it’s happening, and perhaps why it’s happening. And from there, if we need to make adjustments … we’ll look to address them next time.”

Clark noted that scenarios like what Tyler dealt with are “rare,” but they’re monitoring such situations to gauge if they are happening more often. This offseason, infielder Diego Castillo was DFA’d by the Diamondbacks , claimed by the Mets , then claimed by the Yankees , then claimed by the Phillies , then claimed by the Orioles . He was finally DFA’d by the Orioles and went unclaimed, and was outrighted.

Most DFAs amount to dead time for players. For pitchers, it can mean not throwing at all for a week. Tyler said he often heaved plyo balls against his wall. Padlo, who is in spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers this year on a minor-league deal, got the news of his most recent DFA in an Atlanta hotel room after spending just one day with the Angels last season. Sometimes the teams will allow players to use facilities at certain hours, but that’s not a given.

There’s no blueprint for what a player does next, other than wait. And perhaps there will be a way to address that moving forward.

“The only way you can provide stability is by actually providing the stability,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “I’ve seen these guys get bounced around on waivers from team to team, especially this time of year. I feel for their preparation and the chaos that’s created.”

And yet sometimes players find out their roster fates on social media.

“Both players and agents understand that it’s part of business,” said one agent. “But a little more communication would be appreciated. I’ve been through it before with a team that was communicative. It’s not the easiest conversation to have, but it’s a necessary one. It makes the process so much easier and there aren’t hard feelings after the fact.”

While the misery of the DFA process mostly applies to fringe players, many well-known names have been DFA’d. Albert Pujols was let go by the Angels. Liam Hendricks had the same fate with the Royals . Nelson Cruz, he of 464 career homers, was cut by the Rangers and Padres .

When great players are dealt this fate, it’s major news. But it happens every single day to lesser names.

Vogt is now a manager. When one of his players gets DFA’d, he’ll likely deliver the news, bringing the empathy and understanding of someone who has been through it himself to the exchange.

“You understand what people have gone through to fight,” Vogt said. “You get one shot at this career.”

Vogt has been through the most painful of moments. Getting DFA’d in the middle of a 13-hour car ride to Durham to start the season. Taking batting practice as his wife Alyssa flipped him baseballs because there were suddenly no coaches available to do so.

These are the uncertain moments that a DFA creates that no one sees, and thus, no one understands.

“You feel like the world’s crashing on you,” Vogt said. “You feel like your life’s over.”

But even in that misery exists some optimism.

“In some ways, it’s the best thing that could have ever happened for you, because it’s a fresh start somewhere else,” Vogt said.

(With contributions from The Athletic ’s Zack Meisel and Cody Stavenhagen)

(Top photo of Padlo in Dodgers spring training: Norm Hall / Getty Images)

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Sam Blum is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Los Angeles Angels and Major League Baseball. Before joining The Athletic, he was a sports reporter for the Dallas Morning News. Previously, he covered Auburn for AL.com and the University of Virginia for The Daily Progress in Charlottesville.

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Yankees' McKinley Moore: Designated for assignment

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Moore was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Thursday.

He's losing his spot on the 40-man roster in favor of Michael Tonkin, who was claimed off waivers. Moore missed the first couple weeks of this season with a knee injury and since returning has allowed two runs with a 1:6 K:BB over two-thirds of an inning. The 25-year-old has missed a ton of bats in the minors in the past, so even with his current struggles he could receive interest via trade or waivers.

Yankees' McKinley Moore: Activated, optioned to Triple-A

Yankees' mckinley moore: goes on il with knee injury, yankees' mckinley moore: goes to yankees via waivers, phillies' mckinley moore: designated for assignment, phillies' mckinley moore: optioned to triple-a, phillies' mckinley moore: selected to mlb roster, our latest fantasy baseball stories.

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Boston Red Sox Acquire First Baseman Garrett Cooper in Trade With Chicago Cubs

The Boston Red Sox appear to have found a solution at first base, picking up Garrett Cooper in a trade with the Chicago Cubs following Triston Casas' injury.

• Author: Sam Connon

In this story:

The Chicago Cubs have traded first baseman Garrett Cooper to the Boston Red Sox , MassLive.com 's Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam reported Saturday.

Boston is sending cash back to Chicago in return.

The Cubs designated Cooper for assignment on Tuesday. Before he was released or sent across the waiver wire, the Red Sox swooped in to snag Cooper.

Cooper signed a minor league deal with Chicago in February, but he earned a spot on their Opening Day roster after posting a .927 OPS in Spring Training. The contract was worth $1.75 million with an additional $1.25 million available in performance bonuses, and Boston is now set to take on that money.

The 33-year-old right-handed hitter was batting .270 with one home run, six RBI, a .774 OPS and a 0.1 WAR in the 12 games he played for the Cubs.

Cooper made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 2017, a few months before he was traded to the Miami Marlins . He spent the next five-and-a-half seasons in Miami, until he got sent to the San Diego Padres at the 2023 trade deadline.

Between 2019 and 2021, Cooper appeared in just 55.2% of games for the Marlins. He impressed in that time, though, batting .282 with an .818 OPS.

Cooper became an All-Star in 2022, and he remained productive into 2023. He averaged 13 home runs, 56 RBI, 107 hits and a 0.5 WAR between the two campaigns, batting .256 with a .738 OPS in 242 total appearances.

The Red Sox were in dire need of a first baseman, as up-and-coming star Triston Casas recently suffered a rib cartilage injury that could keep him out through the All-Star break. Bobby Dalbec had been serving as Casas' full-time replacement over the past week, but he is batting just .091 with a .263 OPS and -0.7 WAR so far in 2024.

By adding Cooper, Boston can slot a veteran in at first in the short term. With Rafael Devers and Tyler O'Neill off the injured list and middle infielder Vaughn Grissom set to follow close behind, the Red Sox will soon be able to field a more serious lineup of major league-caliber players.

Cooper has also made 73 career starts in right field and 115 at designated hitter, compared to 245 at first base.

The Red Sox and Cubs are in the middle of a series at Fenway Park. The Cooper trade was agreed upon just before Game 2 got underway.

Since he had been designated for assignment Cooper was not traveling with the rest of the Cubs. He will ship out to Boston soon enough, however, only this time in a different uniform.

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Red Sox acquire first baseman Garrett Cooper from Cubs: Sources

B OSTON — With a timetable on Triston Casas’ return from a rib cage injury ranging from weeks to months, the Red Sox are in the process of acquiring depth at first base.

On Saturday afternoon with the Chicago Cubs in town, the Red Sox worked a trade with the Cubs for first baseman Garrett Cooper , according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Cooper had been designated for assignment by the Cubs earlier in the week. MassLive was the first to report the news.

The Red Sox sent cash to Chicago for Cooper. The deal is still pending a physical.

A team source indicated the Red Sox had interest in Cooper this winter before ultimately signing C.J. Cron on a minor-league deal. Cron did not make the team out of spring training and subsequently was released.

The 33-year-old Cooper, a right-handed bat, hit .270 with a .774 OPS with a 32 percent strikeout rate in 12 games with the Cubs. Throughout his eight-year career, which includes an All-Star appearance in 2022, Cooper has posted a 109 OPS+. Last season in 123 games between Miami and San Diego, he hit 17 homers. Cooper had a solid start in Chicago, but with Patrick Wisdom returning from the injury list, the Cubs opted for Wisdom’s power and defensive versatility.

Cooper has mainly played first base throughout his career but does have experience in right field. Last season, Cooper posted four outs above average at first base, ranking him fifth in the league among qualified first basemen.

The Red Sox had been playing Bobby Dalbec at first base with Casas out, and while he offered solid defense, Dalbec’s strikeout rate continued to climb. Entering Saturday, Dalbec, who has a minor-league option, was 4-for-43 on the year with a 50 percent strikeout rate.

The move also signaled the Red Sox’s recognition that Casas may not be returning anytime soon.

On Friday, Casas said doctors described his rib cartilage injury as a “car crash” within his body, noting that his size and the torque of his swing made this kind of injury inevitable. He suffered the injury on a swing on April 17, and tried to play a few more games before ultimately exiting a game last Saturday in Cleveland and going on the IL.

“They said anywhere from three weeks to six weeks to nine weeks, they don’t know,” Casas said of his timetable. “It’s just depending on how my body is feeling. But for right now, I’m still in pain to breathe. My lungs are still hitting my midsection which I’m still getting to like 75 percent capacity without pain. So, first step is to feel good breathing before I can move to cardio and then move into more anaerobic exercises and then progress as I go there.”

The Red Sox will need to make a 40-man roster move to open a spot for Cooper.

(Photo of Garrett Cooper: Griffin Quinn / Getty Images)

This article originally appeared in The Athletic .

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Report: Cubs To Designate Garrett Cooper For Assignment

By Darragh McDonald | April 23, 2024 at 3:20pm CDT

The Cubs are going to designate first baseman Garrett Cooper for assignment, per Robert Murray of FanSided . It appears he will be the corresponding move for Matt Mervis , as Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports that Mervis is being called up.

The transaction comes as a surprise, since Cooper has generally been playing well. He signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in the offseason and made the Opening Day roster. Since then, he’s hit .270/.341/.432 for a wRC+ of 118.

Despite that strong surface-level production, there are also some concerning elements under the hood. Cooper has struck out at a 31.7% clip so far this year, a few ticks above his career rate, which was already a bit above average. He also has an unsustainable .391 batting average on balls in play, well above the .290 league average.

Beyond Cooper’s performance, it seems that Mervis may have just forced the club into making a move. He had huge amounts of helium in 2022, despite landing with the Cubs as an undrafted free agent. The pandemic led to the 2020 draft being shortened to just five rounds and Mervis wasn’t selected, leading to him signing with the Cubs afterwards.

Despite being somewhat overlooked at that time, he shot onto everyone’s radar in 2022, going from High-A to Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .309/.379/.605 that year. That led to his first taste of the majors last season, though he hit just .167/.242/.289 in his first 99 big league plate appearances. He still hit well in Triple-A last year and is off to a strong start here in 2024. He has five home runs in 82 plate appearances this year and is drawing walks at a 14.6% clip, leading to a line of .288/.402/.606 and a 151 wRC+.

Perhaps the club couldn’t ignore that performance any longer, but handedness may have also played a role. The Cubs as a team are hitting .284/.361/.506 against lefties for a 140 wRC+, second only to the Guardians. But against righties, their collective batting line is .236/.317/.381, which leads to a 97 wRC+ that’s 17th in the league.

Cooper hits from the right side and has been better against lefties in his career, but only modestly. He’s hit .285/.337/.475 against southpaws and .263/.337/.420 otherwise, leading to respective wRC+ counts of 119 and 108. Swapping in Mervis could perhaps give them a bump against right-handed pitchers since he hits from the left side.

The Cubs could have perhaps bumped someone else off the roster in favor of Mervis, such as Patrick Wisdom or Nick Madrigal , but those two offer a bit more defensively. Cooper is only really viable at first base, since his brief time in the outfield corners has yielded poor results. Madrigal and Wisdom can each play third while the latter has some outfield ability as well.

There will now be a week for the Cubs to line up a trade for Cooper or pass him through waivers. It seems fair to expect that there will be interest, based both on his performance so far this year and his track record. He hit .274/.350/.444 for the Marlins from 2019 to 2022, leading to a wRC+ of 117 in that stretch. He struggled to stay healthy in that time and then slumped last year, but he seems to be in good form so far this season.

The Red Sox are going to be without their primary first baseman for a while, as Triston Casas has been diagnosed with a fractured rib . The Astros are getting dismal production from José Abreu thus far. The same goes for the White Sox and Andrew Vaughn , the Twins and Carlos Santana and others. Given all of those different situations, the Cubs will likely be fielding calls about Cooper in the coming days.

81 Comments

Padres reunion?

Wouldn’t be the worst move the Pads could make as the offense needs help. But they just picked up Donovan Solano (who bats R) and if they’re planning to add another bat, likely to be a L. But then that would block Pauley. Probably not in the cards for a Pads reunion.

I had him on my early list to resign but I wouldn’t trade anything of any value for him. I’d give up a warm body or “cash considerations” and I’d sign him to league minimum but that is all.

Padres only 1/2 game back of Dodgers at this point in the season. – how bout that Tow!

Don’t think any of us would have thought that!

Exactly. I’m thinking PTBNL. I’d like so see him come in and get the majority of 1B/DH AB’s against lefties. Crone can start against righties, and move around the IF when guys need a rest. There are plenty of AB’s to go around

An opportunity for the Astros if they decide they’ve had enough of Abreu or Singleton

Cooper would be an automatic upgrade over both, but since the Astros won’t cut Abreu yet because of money owed, they need to cut Singleton immediately and sign Cooper.

Cooper and/or Belt are options. I don’t see them giving up on Abreu just yet.

774 OPS. Seems odd.

Cooper was growing on me too. Now the only RH 1B the cubs have is Patrick Wisdom 😐

I am not a fan of Wisdom, would rather keep Cooper even if his numbers aren’t sustainable. Wisdom is only good for a 40% strikeout rate these days…

Cooper struck out 31%, and Wisdom can hit homers while playing 1B or 3B.

wisdom sucks defensively, plus even his homers don’t make up for it…hes not good

Someone beat me to it, Astros need to sign Cooper and designate Singleton. Abreu being cut would be next.

Still productive. An interesting DFA. They’ll certainly find a trade market.

I’m guessing this is a vote of confidence for Canario.

With Suzuki on the IL and Happ on the sidelines, they need to keep Canario for the OF.

Except Happ isn’t on the sidelines anymore.

I mean..He was available to every team in the offseason, and didn’t sign till late. If by trade market, you mean you’d be expecting more than an A ball prospect, or a PTBNL, then I find that doubtful.

Good OBP. Hard to imagine he won’t get claimed. Odd decision by the Cubs.

Not really. Cooper’s role (1B against lefties, occasional corner OF or DH, bench bat) is one that can be covered well enough by Wisdom/Canario. And while his results have been fine, Cooper hasn’t looked great at the plate by the eye test lately.

They are also bringing up Mervis hoping for a boost to the offense and you can’t carry four guys whose primary position is 1B.

Except Wisdom is terrible. Just seems to be an odd move as an outsider, but it’s not like he’s mashing either.

Cooper is better than Wisdom

Should’ve cut Whiffdom.

What’s Carrett Gooper doing in the Impact Zone?!?!

Mervis getting called up again, perhaps? I liked Cooper, so this better be why.

That’s literally what’s happening. Nervis up, Cooper out

They have Bellinger, but he’s a lefty too. Wisdom is not terrible, Just awful.

Us Wisdom truthers will always have that magical first half of 2021

That magical first half of 2021 is looking rather distant these days, especially with how awful Wisdom has been now.

Hasn’t he just been in like 2 games this season?

Cooper was an upgrade over Wisdom. This is just bad roster management, But not completely unexpected. Wisdom is Hoyers illegitimate son. Maybe?

Not a huge Wisdom fan but he is serviceable at 1B, 3B and OF as well as DH.

As a RS fan, I’d be interested in acquiring Wisdom, depending on how long Casas is out for.

Some stale hot dog buns and warm six pack of Old Milwaukee Beer gets it done for me.

Leave your love life out of this

It’s Old Styles not Milwaukee…

No San Diego you’re wrong. There was a beer called Old Milwaukee which eventually became Milwaukees Best and then Red, White and Blue I believe. Then after they killed like 5 homeless guys I think they stopped making it. And it’s Old Style and Hamms were the beers of my youth. I remember thinking the definition of desperation was when I saw a guy come in and buy a 6 pack of Milwaukees Best and paid with a check. It was less than 2 bucks. I found out later from the clerk at the liquor store it bounced.

His 40%K rate will change your mind.

I think we can all agree that while much of the world is going the hell, beer selection and quality (especially microbrewed) has never been better than it is today. Cheers

Thanks for the nugget of knowledge! Imma gonna be the real smarta$$ Padres fan correcting Cubbie fans!

I loved the story! Bounced a $2 check for some Beast.

Wisdom should absolutely not be in the OF fir any reason. I’d rather see Travis Wood out in LF over Wisdom.

Wisdom generates a lot of wind speed at the plate

He could bring a breeze into Tropicana Field. Lol. Or Wrigley North or any stadium with a retractable roof.

Think better

Mervis in the service

These rhymes unnerve us.

Wisdom should be gone!

Cooper had more value, so I am puzzled!

Power numbers

No, Wisdom really has no value at all now.

This is a team that wants to win the division and Cooper offers a lot more than Wisdom.

Busch handles 1b, Mervis does the backup there.

Wisdom can pinch hit and play various positions unlike Cooper. That was likely the thought process

This is why Counsel will never win anything. He gets it in his head that he doesn’t like someone. He won’t give a player a fair shot. Got rid of Cooper when he was a Brewer too.

GIVE THIS MID-30s VET A FAIR SHOT!

That’s Benedict Counsell at his best! Enjoy the high priced mismanagement Cub fans, it’s going to be a long season.

Except for the fact that the Cubs are winning and they haven’t even really been playing well yet. Their overall defense has been less than stellar and their starting pitching has been horrible at best. Is Verdad? So get ready to see improvement and now that 2 of the weak pitching links are gone it will probably be sooner than later.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid. Let me know if you are still a CC believer after his time ends in Chicago with zero titles to show for it.

Mets should get rid of Short and make room for Cooper, we have no true DH right now. DJ Stewart just isn’t cutting it but I’d like to keep him as a bat off the bench until Martinez is called up

The best part of this move is that it is an indicator that Mervis coming up (been online for the last 5 hours) is that it is probably NOT Happ going to the IL.

Now, the mystery of Wesneski being recalled remains out there. He can only be recalled due to injury so it is really Hendricks or is there a hidden injury to someone (Alzolay, Neris, Brewer, etc) that we don’t know about.

Red Sox to cover for Casas?

Cooper vs Wisdom

Wisdom can play more positions, has more pure power, but comes with low average and high K rate

Cooper plays 1b only and spotty OF, but can be counted on more to get bat on ball, but lacks power.

Cubs had too many 1Bs and should look to move Wisdom as well,

Except Wisdom plays four positions, not just first base.

I thought Cooper was doing fine – but I understand what they’re thinking. Cooper could be hitting cleanup for the Chisox. I hope they can get a nice lottery ticket for him. I’m so glad Mervis is getting another shot. If Morel continues to struggle offensively, Mervis bat could potentially pay dividends. I’m anxious to see how this plays out.

note I said: Cooper vs Wisdom

Wisdom can play more positions…which states more than 1 (more than cooper which was meant here)

The 1b comment at the end was about Cooper

If you properly structured your sentence, you could have avoided your entire response.

seriously? I referenced cooper as a 1b not wisdom therefore referencing that last sentence to 1b was an obvious reference to cooper since I mentioned only him being a 1b.

Matt Mervis to replace Cooper on roster, Wisdom you next.

Ultimately it boils down to Cooper not having a future for the Cubs where Mervis potentially does. Whether or not Cooper is a better hitter than Wisdom is irrelevant, Cooper cannot play the positions Wisdom can. When the time comes for the Cubs to take a look at Vazquez, then Madrigal and Wisdom need to worry. Vazquez is a guy who can truly play the super utility role and I’m a little surprised he isn’t bouncing around the diamond in AAA right now.

More importantly Dras, the important time is when Matt Shaw solves the third base issue, making all of Madrigal, Wisdom and Morel irrelevant. Probably not quite quick enough, but I’m hoping.

You’re not wrong and Shaw has only played third base in AA. I could easily see him making the jump straight form the Smokies to Chicago if we don’t get more production out of third base.

I was just looking at role for role swaps, Vazquez can fill the Wisdom and/or Madrigal role as a guy who can play multiple positions and a guy who I think mostly projects as a utility/bench player. Madrigal, IMO, should always have a role as a bench player due to his contact skills.

I fully understand that Shaw is a good calendar year away and agree with you about Vazquez.

I just hope the hole at third base is addressed because I think this team can contend deep into the season.

And nice to see Busch bat ahead of Morel tonight.

And to see Hoerner at the top with Happ hitting second (and in the lineup)

Ans Swanson dropped down in the order. He’s been lost at the plate.

Only thing is, Shaw doesn’t have the arm to play 3rd. Yes, I know he was a shortstop. But scouts told me he had a fringy arm & would need to move to 2nd base. But due to Hoerner & Swanson, where else is he going to play? I do believe in the kid’s bat, though. He can really hit!

This doesn’t make much sense. It basically creates a “platoon” of first basemen who both bat from the left side. Not only that, but Cooper had been playing well, and he is a veteran. You’d think a vet would be preferred over someone with such a small amount of experience on a contending team..

Future Red Sox 1B

Come on A’s! Surprise us all and sign this obvious fit

I knew at some point a team that signed Carlos Santana to be their starting 1B would roll snake eyes, and it would appear that’s MIL. Things not looking so bleak these days for Brandon Belt, but buyer beware there as he’s got bad knees and is not an everyday option at this point.

You mean MIN.

MIL passed on Santana after renting him at the back end of last year. He was OK, and certainly better than Rowdy,but a good decision to move on.

Before anyone dumps on the Cubs for this move, you may want to wait to see how long before Cooper goes on the IL with his next team. The Cubs may know something.

I for one hope that the Marlins do not give Cooper a call once he passes through waivers. I kind of knew that his career would end soon after the Marlins brass stopped being the organzation that gave this guy job security for so many years.

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