Angels Place Lucas Giolito and Deadline Additions on Waivers: The Next Moves

The Los Angeles Angels are placing several players on waivers in an effort to lessen their financial burden after a failed trade deadline.

The Angels are facing a disappointing end to their season, but they are making efforts to alleviate their financial burden. After failing to make a significant impact at the trade deadline, the team has decided to place several players on waivers. Starter Lucas Giolito, relievers Reynaldo López and Matt Moore, and outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk are all eligible to be claimed by other teams and potentially be added to their postseason rosters.

This decision raises three important questions. Firstly, why did the Angels choose to take this route? Initially, the season seemed promising, with the potential for Shohei Ohtani to experience meaningful October baseball. However, instead of selling and rebuilding their farm system, the Angels decided to make a push to win now. Unfortunately, their deadline plan did not work out as expected, and waiving these players is a last-ditch effort to unload salary and salvage the season.

Secondly, how did the Angels end up in this situation? Just a month ago, they made significant acquisitions in the hopes of reaching the playoffs for the first time in years. However, their performance quickly deteriorated, and they found themselves falling further out of contention. Injuries to key players like Mike Trout and Ohtani only added to their struggles. With their playoff hopes dashed, the Angels decided it was time to cut their losses and move on.

Lastly, what happens next? Any of the other 29 teams have the opportunity to claim these players until Thursday. The team with the worst record will receive the player and be responsible for their remaining salary. It is likely that all five players will be claimed by playoff hopefuls, as they were highly sought-after at the trade deadline. Teams like the Marlins, Reds, and Giants, who are in the wild-card race, are potential suitors. The Giants, in particular, could benefit from adding Giolito and an outfielder to their struggling lineup.

Ultimately, the Angels find themselves in a difficult position. Their chances of making the postseason have vanished, and they are left giving away players they acquired just weeks ago. It is a disappointing end to a season that held so much promise for the team.