It was an eventful August waiver period this season, as several big names were placed on waivers by their teams in hopes of shedding some salary late in the season.
One of the biggest headlines to come from this waiver period was when the Los Angeles Angels decided to place former White Sox pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, whom the Sox traded away for a prospect package headlined by Edgar Quero, on waivers as their playoff hopes have quickly declined since the trade deadline.
It turns out that both pitchers will be heading back to the AL Central, as the Cleveland Guardians were awarded both pitchers through their waiver claims.
Giolito has gone through one of the worst stretches of his career, as he leaves the Angels with a 6.89 ERA in 32.2 innings during his time with the club. Lopez, on the other hand, appeared to recapture some of his 2022 success since the trade, as he held a 2.77 ERA in 13 relief innings with the club. With both players heading for free agency, and the Angels’ playoff hopes slipping away, they decided to cut ties and save some money instead of hoping for a late-season surge.
In other news, the White Sox attempted to shed some money through the waiver system as well, as Mike Clevinger was placed on waivers. There was some speculation that a waiver claim was possible for him as well, but it is now being reported that he has cleared waivers and will rejoin the White Sox.
Money was likely the reason that teams decided against placing a waiver claim on Clevinger, as his mutual option for 2024 includes a $4 million buyout that any team that claimed him would be on the hook for.
Clevinger has been arguably the best pitcher on the White Sox staff lately. After dealing with some injuries, he returned to the mound in late August and has since held a 2.31 ERA in 35 innings. On the season, he has a 3.32 ERA and has been effective enough that a team deciding to take on his contract would not have been surprising. Instead, the Sox will be on the hook for the remainder of his $12 million contract.
Follow us @SoxOn35th for more throughout the season!
Featured Image: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Not a fan of Clev but he has been the best starter all season for the Sox. If you have to pay him $4M just to get rid of him, you might as well use him next year for $12M and perhaps trade him for a prospect next trade deadline . He will eat innings and for the $8M you’d save, you probably won’t get a better starter. can he opt out to get a better contract and you don’t owe him anything??