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What does designated for assignment mean in baseball? Explaining MLB's 'DFA' and contract implications

There are numerous transactions that can happen to an MLB player. They can be optioned down to the minors. They can be traded to another team. They can even just simply be cut.

One of the more unique-to-baseball transaction types is to be designated for assignment. If a big leaguer is underperforming significantly, a team might decide that it is time to hit the DFA button, which can have several different outcomes.

During the course of the MLB season, fans will often see players DFA'd by their teams. It is a particularly common process for players who are a bit more on the experienced side and in the middle of contracts.

Much of the other processes are more self explanatory. Trades and releases are obviously simple. Even options are fairly common knowledge. But what exactly does it mean to be designated for assignment? 

MORE: How to watch 'Friday Night Baseball' on Apple TV+

Here's what you need to know.

What does designated for assignment mean in baseball?

Teams are only allowed to have 40 players on their roster at all times, with 26 of them active in the majors. Sometimes, teams make decisions to add someone to that 40-man roster, which means removing someone else.

In order to take someone off the 40-man roster, they must be designated for assignment. When that happens, a player is taken off the roster immediately and sits in a holding pattern for seven days. During that time frame, the team can trade the player away or place him on waivers.

Another team can claim the player on waivers, but it would require immediately placing that player on their own 40-man roster and taking on the remainder of that contract. Because waiver claims operate in a particular order, teams will sometimes trade for a DFA'd player rather than wait until waivers to make sure no one ahead of them in the order is able to claim that player.

There is always a chance the players go through waivers unclaimed. If that happens, teams have a few different options for what comes next. The team can release them or can outright them to the minors. However, not all DFA'd players have to go to the minors. A player can reject the minor-league assignment and head to free agency if he's been in the majors for at least three years or if he has been outrighted to the minors previously.

Being designated for assignment is different than being optioned to the minors, though sometimes the two can overlap. Players early in their careers have option years, during which they can be sent back to the minors five times per season after MLB promotions. Being optioned to the minors does not mean a player has to be designated for assignment unless he runs out of options. 

If a team claims a player that has been designated for assignment, and that player still has minor league options left, the team can choose to use one to send the player to the minors, so long as he is still on the 40-man roster.

MORE: MLB pitch clock rules, explained

DFA contract implications

There are often talented players that hit waivers that will go unclaimed for one big reason: the contract. 

If a player is claimed on waivers or acquired via trade, the team that added him would be taking on the remainder of the contract as well. Often, part of the reason a team would make the decision to DFA a player is in the hopes another might claim them and take the contract off the books.

However, if the player reaches free agency, he can sign a deal with any other team on a prorated portion of the MLB minimum, which is $720,000. The team that DFA'd would then pay that player the remaining salary owed to him on his original deal minus the prorated MLB minimum paid by the acquiring team.

Edward Sutelan is a content producer at The Sporting News.

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.

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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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Share All sharing options for: MLB options, waivers and outright assignments, explained

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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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?

What Is WAR (Wins Above Replacement) In Baseball

What Does Defect Mean In Baseball?

What Is The Dropped Third Strike Rule

What Is The Pennant In Baseball

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. 

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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?

Understanding DFA in Baseball: Implications, Options, and Opportunities

Have you ever heard the term “DFA” in baseball and wondered what it meant? Well, you’re not alone. DFA stands for “Designated for Assignment,” and it’s a term used when a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. But what does that really mean? In this article, I’ll break down the ins and outs of DFA in baseball, explaining why teams use it and what happens to players who are designated for assignment.

When a player is DFA’d, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of their career. In fact, it’s often just the beginning of a new chapter. Being designated for assignment gives the team a few options – they can trade the player, release them, or send them to the minor leagues if they clear waivers. It’s a strategic move that teams make to free up roster spots or to give struggling players a chance to work on their skills without taking up a valuable spot on the active roster. So, let’s dive deeper into the world of DFA in baseball and explore its significance in the game.

Key Takeaways

What is dfa in baseball.

Designated for Assignment (DFA) is a term commonly used in baseball when a player is removed from a team’s 40-man roster. It’s a strategic move made by teams to either free up roster spots or give struggling players a chance to improve their skills. But what exactly does it mean?

DFA is a valuable tool for teams as it allows them to make necessary adjustments to their roster. It’s often used when a team needs to make room for a new addition or when a player is underperforming and the team wants to give them an opportunity to work on their skills in a less pressurized environment.

So, while DFA may signify a player’s removal from a team’s roster, it’s not the end of the road for their baseball career. It’s an opportunity for them to reassess, improve, and potentially find success with another team.

The Meaning of DFA

When a player is DFA’d, the team typically has a few options. They can trade the player to another team, release them, or send them to the minor leagues if they clear waivers. These options give the player a chance to continue their career elsewhere or to work on their skills and make a comeback.

In the world of baseball, DFA may seem like a harsh term, but it’s an essential tool for teams to make adjustments and give struggling players a chance to improve. Rather than the end, DFA is often the beginning of a new chapter for players, where they can redefine themselves and find success once again.

Why Teams use DFA

Options for players designated for assignment.

When a player is designated for assignment (DFA), it doesn’t necessarily mean that their career is over. Teams have several options for dealing with players who have been DFA’d, depending on their unique circumstances. In this section, I will explore these options and shed light on what they mean for the players involved.

The Significance of DFA in Baseball

When and why is a player dfa’d.

Teams designate a player for assignment when they need to make room on their active roster for a new addition, typically from the minor leagues or through a trade. Players can also be DFA’d if they are underperforming, injured, or no longer fitting into the team’s long-term plans.

An Opportunity for Change

Dfa: a player’s options.

The designation for assignment is a significant moment in a player’s baseball journey. It represents a crossroads where their future is uncertain, yet filled with potential for positive change. Whether it’s a chance to be traded, reclaim a spot on the roster, or find a new team, DFA serves as a turning point for players to redefine their careers.

While being DFA’d can be disheartening, it’s important for players to remember that it’s not the end of their careers. Instead, it’s a turning point that allows them to redefine their paths and seek new opportunities. With determination and a willingness to adapt, players can bounce back and make a comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is dfa in baseball, q: why would a player be dfa’d.

A: Players might be DFA’d if the team needs to make room on the roster, or if the player is underperforming or no longer fitting into the team’s plans.

Q: What happens to a player after being DFA’d?

Q: what implications does dfa have for a player’s career, q: how can dfa be seen as a turning point for players.

A: DFA represents a turning point for players to redefine their careers and seek new opportunities. It’s a chance to make adjustments and potentially find success with a different team or in a different role.

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What does designated for assignment mean? Phils’ Harper, Schwarber news have fans asking

Two of the most popular Phillies — and most-important to their World Series hopes — are back in the lineup after sitting out 10 days for injuries.

Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper came back on the teams roster  in time for Tuesday’s game.

But, it meant that the Phillies had to jettison two players.

Kody Clemens was sent to the team’s Lehigh Valley club, but outfielder David Dahl was designated for assignment.

What does designated for assignment mean?

For Dahl, being designated for assignment likely means his time with the Phillies is over.

But what does it actually mean when a player is designated for assignment?

A player designated for assignment is effectively removed from their team’s active roster, providing flexibility to address roster needs.

During this period, the team can trade the player to another team, place them on waivers for other teams to claim, release them outright, or even assign them to their minor league affiliate if they clear waivers.

Dahl, though, has enough MLB experience that he can’t be traded unless he agrees to the move. So, he’ll be designated for assignment while Phillies look for  an agreeable trade or put him on waivers for another team to claim .

Here are some other MLB roster-move terms to know:

• Waivers: Players who are designated for assignment must go through waivers before they can be assigned to a minor league team or released outright. Once on waivers, another team can claim the player.
• Optioning: When a team sends a player on its 40-man roster down to the minors, it’s called optioning the player. But teams can only option a player so many times before they’re forced to use waivers instead.
• Recall: A recall is when a team brings a player back up to the MLB after being sent down to the minors.
• Release: If a player clears waivers or is not claimed, the team can release the player from their contract. The player is then a free agent who can sign with any other club.

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

Why Do MLB Players Get Designated for Assignment (DFA)?

Designated for Assignment (DFA) is a term used in Major League Baseball (MLB) that refers to the process of a team removing a player from their 40-man roster. This is done for various reasons, such as to make room for new players, to demote a player to the minor leagues, or to cut ties with a player who is not performing. In this article, we’ll take a look at why MLB players get designated for assignment and some of the implications of the process.

The Role of Contracts in the DFA Process

One of the primary reasons players are designated for assignment is due to a team’s need to make room on their 40-man roster. Teams must maintain a 40-man roster of players who are eligible to play in the major leagues, so if a team wants to add a new player they must first remove an existing one. This is often done by designating a player for assignment.

Additionally, teams can use the DFA process to get out of a contract they no longer want. MLB contracts are guaranteed, meaning that teams are obligated to pay a player the full value of their contract even if they are released. However, if a player is designated for assignment, the team is only obligated to pay a portion of the remaining salary. This is one of the main reasons why teams will opt to designate a player for assignment instead of simply releasing them.

Implications of Being Designated for Assignment

When a player is designated for assignment, they are placed on waivers for a period of seven to ten days. During this time, any other team can claim the player and add them to their roster. If the player is not claimed, they are then sent outright to the minor leagues or released.

If a player is sent to the minor leagues, they have the option to refuse the assignment and become a free agent. This can be beneficial to the player since they can explore the market and find a team that is a better fit.

Another implication of being designated for assignment is that it can have a negative effect on a player’s reputation. Players that are released or sent to the minors often struggle to find another job in the MLB, as teams are wary of taking on a player with a history of being designated for assignment.

Reasons Why Players Get Designated for Assignment

There are a variety of reasons why teams may choose to designate a player for assignment. Here are some of the most common:

1. Performance

The most common reason a player is designated for assignment is due to their performance. If a team feels that a player is no longer meeting their expectations or is not progressing as they should, they may opt to move on and replace them with a different player.

If a player suffers an injury that will keep them out for an extended period of time, a team may opt to designate them for assignment in order to free up a roster spot. This is often done with the intention of re-signing the player once they have fully recovered from their injury.

Teams may also opt to designate a player for assignment in order to free up money for other players. This is often done with highly paid veterans who are nearing the end of their contracts and are no longer playing at an elite level.

4. Personal Reasons

In some cases, teams may designate a player for assignment due to personal reasons. This could be due to a player’s attitude or off-field behavior, or simply because the team is looking to move in a different direction.

Designated for Assignment (DFA) is a term used in Major League Baseball that refers to the process of a team removing a player from their 40-man roster. Teams use the DFA process for various reasons, such as to make room for new players, to demote a player to the minor leagues, or to cut ties with a player who is not performing. This article has explored why MLB players get designated for assignment and some of the implications of the process.

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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Designated for assignment

A player is designated for assignment when his team wants to replace him on the active roster and he is out of options . The team thus announces its wish to send the player to the minor leagues and places his name on waivers . If the player is claimed, a trade may be worked out between the two teams. If the player is unclaimed, he can either accept the minor league assignment, or opt to become a free agent immediately.

Teams have the right to assign a player whose options have all been used outright to the minors only once during his career. This can only be done if his major league service time does not exceed a certain number of days. If he cannot be outrighted, the "designated for assignment" procedure kicks in. Of course, if a team thinks it has no further use for this player even in its minor league system, it can simply hand him his unconditional release . This results in the player immediately becoming a free agent.

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

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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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Designated for Assignment: What Does It Mean in Baseball?

What is ‘designated for assignment’ in baseball, how does the ‘designated for assignment’ rule work in baseball, what are the benefits of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, what are the drawbacks of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, how often is the ‘designated for assignment’ rule used in baseball, what are some examples of when the ‘designated for assignment’ rule has been used in baseball, what are the implications of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, what are the consequences of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball, how does the ‘designated for assignment’ rule affect player morale in baseball, what is the future of the ‘designated for assignment’ rule in baseball.

When a player is said to be “designated for assignment,” it usually means one of three things in baseball. Here’s what it means and how it affects a team.

In baseball, “designated for assignment” (DFA) is a procedure by which a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. Once a player is designated for assignment, he is then placed on irrevocable outright waivers. If the player clears waivers, he is free to sign with any team. If he is claimed off waivers by another team, he joins that team and his former team receives nothing in return — not even a player to be named later.

In baseball, the “Designated for Assignment” (or “DFA”) rule allows teams to remove players from their 40-man roster. This gives the team ten days to trade, release, or outright the player to the minors.

The DFA rule is often used when a team needs to make room on their roster for a new player. For example, if a team claimed a player off waivers, they would need to designate someone for assignment in order to make room for the new player on their 40-man roster.

If a team outright releases a player that is designated for assignment, they are responsible for paying the remainder of the player’s contract. However, if the player is traded or claim off waivers by another team, then the original team is no longer responsible for the contract.

The DFA rule can also be used as a way for teams to remove underperforming players from their roster without having to release them outright. In this case, the team would be hoping that another team would claim the player off waivers so that they would not be responsible for paying the rest of the contract.

The Designated for Assignment rule in baseball allows a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster while keeping the player’s rights. The player can be kept out of the lineup for up to 10 days, during which time the team can decide what to do with him.

There are several benefits to this rule. First, it gives the team time to decide whether to trade, release, or outright the player. Second, it allows the team to call up a replacement from the minors without having to make a corresponding move on its 40-man roster. Third, it gives the team time to work out any issues the player may have with his contract.

Overall, the Designated for Assignment rule is a useful tool for teams managing their rosters. It provides flexibility and allows teams to make decisions about players without having to rush into anything.

Designated for assignment (DFA) is a procedure used in Major League Baseball when a team wishes to remove a player from its 40-man roster. A player who is designated for assignment is immediately removed from the 40-man roster, and Major League club has seven days to trade, release, or outright the player to the minor leagues. If theplayer is not traded during that period of time, he becomes a free agent

The DFA rule was created in order to give teams more flexibility when it came to making roster moves. However, there are some drawbacks to the rule. First of all, it can be used as a way to get rid of players who are underperforming. This can be unfair to the player, as he may have no control over his performance. Additionally, the DFA rule can be used as a way to avoid paying players their full salary. If a player is released after being designated for assignment, he will only be owed a prorated portion of his salary. Finally, the DFA rule can create uncertainty for players, as they may not know if they will be with the team for seven days or less.

The “Designated for Assignment” (DFA) rule is used often in baseball. It allows a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster while creating space to add another player.

The DFA rule is commonly used when a team wants to call up a player from the minors, but their 40-man roster is full. By designating a player for assignment, the team can create an open spot on the roster while keeping the player’s rights.

Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has 10 days to decide what to do with him. The options are to release the player, trade the player, or outright him to the minors.

If the player is released, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. If the player is traded, he goes to another organization with all of his contract intact. If the player is outrighted, he can either accept the assignment and remain in the minors or become a Free Agent

Players with more than three years of Major League service time can refuse an outright assignment and become free agents Players with less than three years of service time can only become free agents if they are released outright.

The DFA rule gives teams flexibility when it comes to managing their rosters. It allows them to make roster moves quickly and efficiently without having to worry about losing a valuable asset.

The ‘Designated for Assignment’ rule has been used a few times in baseball. One example is when a team wants to call up a player from the minors, but doesn’t have an available roster spot, so they designated another player for assignment.

Another example is when a team wants to release a player, but they think another team would claim them off waivers, so they designating them for assignment as a way to prevent that from happening.

In baseball, the ‘Designated for Assignment’ rule is when a team removes a player from their 40-man roster. This can be done for a variety of reasons, but it usually happens when a team wants to make room for another player on the roster.

The implications of this rule are that the player who is designated for assignment is effectively removed from the team. They are not allowed to play for the team until they are either traded, waived, or released. This can be a difficult situation for players, as it can mean not being able to play baseball for an extended period of time.

Designated for assignment players often find themselves in limbo, as they wait to see what their future holds. This can be a very stressful time, as they are not sure if they will be able to continue their Baseball Career or not.

In baseball, the term “Designated for Assignment” (DFA) is used to remove a player from the 40-man roster. This can be done to make room for another player, to give another player re Playing time, or simply because the team wants to release the player.

Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has 10 days to decide what to do with him. The most common options are to release him, trade him, or send him to the minor leagues. If the player is released, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. If the player is traded, he goes to his new team’s 40-man roster. If the player is sent to the minors, he will be removed from the 40-man roster but can be called back up at any time.

The Designated for Assignment rule was created in 2006 in an effort to give teams more flexibility with their rosters. Prior to that, teams had to make a decision on a player immediately after he was designated for assignment. Now, teams have 10 days to decide what to do with a player, which gives them more time to work out a trade or figure out other options.

The Designated for Assignment rule has had some unintended consequences. One of those is that it has made it harder for older players to find jobs in baseball. That’s because teams are less likely to want to take on a veteran player who might only be with the team for a few weeks before being designated for assignment again.

Another consequence is that it has made it harder for players who are designated for assignmentto find new teams. That’s because teams know that they have 10 days to make a decision on a player and they might not want to wait that long if they’re trying to fill a need on their roster right away.

The Designated for Assignment rule has been controversial since it was first instituted in 2006 and it’s likely that we’ll see changes made to it in the future.

In baseball, the term “designated for assignment” (DFA) refers to the process whereby a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. The move is most often used when a team needs to free up a spot on the roster to add another player, though it can also be used as a disciplinary measure.

Players who have been designated for assignment must be removed from the 40-man roster within 10 days, during which time they may be traded, released, or outrighted to the minor leagues. Being designated for assignment can be a significant blow to a player’s morale, as it often indicates that the team has lost faith in their ability to contribute.

In recent years there have been several high-profile cases of players being designated for assignment and then electing to retire rather than continue their career in the minor leagues. While it is understandable that some players would prefer to retire than play in the minors, it is also worth noting that many players who are designated for assignment do eventually make their way back to the Major Leagues

In baseball, the “Designated for Assignment” (DFA) rule allows a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster. The team must then put the player on waivers, and if he is not claimed by another team, the player can either be sent to the minors or become a Free Agent

The DFA rule was introduced in 1973, and since then, it has been used by teams to rid themselves of players who are underperforming or who no longer fit into the team’s plans. In recent years however, there has been an increase in the Number of players being designated for assignment, as well as an increase in the number of players being outrighted to the minors (that is, sent to the minors without having to go through waivers first).

Some commentators have suggested that the DFA rule is being abused by teams, and that it needs to be reformed. Others have argued that the DFA rule is working exactly as intended, and that any reform would simply be a band-aid solution.

So what is the future of the DFA rule? Only time will tell.

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Focused on stretch run of season, Twins DFA reliever Okert

Do-Hyoung Park

MINNEAPOLIS -- It seems the Twins are starting to posture themselves for their regular-season endgame -- and that movement started with an emotionally difficult move to part ways with popular left-hander Steven Okert , who was designated for assignment after Friday’s game.

Even considering the lessened depth in the Twins’ bullpen with the injuries to Brock Stewart, Justin Topa and Kody Funderburk and the struggles of Caleb Thielbar, manager Rocco Baldelli portrayed the Okert decision as a move to streamline their roster, with depth less of a consideration in the sprint that remains through the end of the season.

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“You see our organization and other organizations having to just make calls that you don’t really want to make, but you are kind of in a position where you start having to make them,” Baldelli said. “There are just fewer games to play. You’re not trying to hold onto as many good players as you can. You really have to lock in and do whatever you feel like you need to do toward the end.”

The Twins had acquired Okert in an offseason trade with the Marlins that sent Nick Gordon to Miami, and they had counted on the now-33-year-old left-hander in leverage roles, including his first career save on April 10 against the Dodgers.

But Okert struggled to a 5.09 ERA in 44 appearances (one start) this season, including 15 runs (14 earned) allowed in 14 1/3 innings (an 8.79 ERA) in his last 20 outings, dating back to June 12. Though he was effective against left-handed hitters, righties hit .317 with a .984 OPS against Okert, limiting his use in meaningful situations down the stretch.

With that, another one of the Twins’ offseason relief acquisitions is out of the immediate picture. Jay Jackson and Josh Staumont (acquired in free agency) were both designated for assignment and released from the organization, while Topa (acquired via trade with the Mariners) has still not pitched for the Twins this season amid continued struggles and setbacks with his knee and arm.

Okert’s departure does leave the Twins with even less clarity in how they match up with opposing left-handed hitters.

Thielbar has struggled to a 5.54 ERA in 45 games, and with Funderburk still on the mend from an oblique strain, it seems they will necessarily have to rely on Jorge Alcala -- who has allowed six homers in his past 12 outings -- and Trevor Richards -- who has struggled with both walks and wild pitches -- in those situations, given their preference to use Cole Sands against righties.

The Twins still have managed in that regard -- even without effective left-handed relief for much of this season, Minnesota relievers have held left-handed hitters to a .361 slugging percentage this season.

They might eventually be able to add Louie Varland, who can get left-handed hitters out, to that mix -- though doesn’t yet appear to be an imminent consideration due to the depleted state of the rotation depth. Chris Paddack and his changeup could also factor in if he recovers and ramps up quickly enough to rejoin the team.

In the meantime, they’ll have to rely even more heavily on their slim right-handed bullpen core -- and move past the loss of a well-liked and well-regarded teammate.

“He has a lot of fans here, people that really care about him,” Baldelli said. “He’s a great teammate, he’s a great member of the organization. [He] represented the club very, very well. Having to talk to him, have a very difficult conversation with him like that, it was hard.”

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Angels Become Fourth Team to Designate Pitcher For Assignment in 2024

Maren angus-coombs | aug 26, 2024.

• Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels designated reliever Mike Baumann for assignment on Friday, per the  MLB transaction wire .

It was the fourth time this season that the 28-year-old right-hander was DFA'd.

Now that he's heading for waivers, other MLB teams will have a chance to claim him, but since he has more than two years of service time, he’ll need to be placed on a 40-man roster.

Baumann has never actually cleared waivers; in all three instances earlier this season, he was traded. He has gone from the Baltimore Orioles to the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and Angels via DFA resolutions throughout the year.

#Angels transactions: •Selected the contract of RHP Ryan Zeferjahn •Designated RHP Mike Baumann for assignment — Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) August 23, 2024

When the Orioles designated him for assignment on May 18, they traded him four days later to the Seattle Mariners. Baltimore sent Baumann and catcher Michael Perez to the Mariners in exchange for catcher Blake Ford.

Seattle held onto him until July 19 and then traded him to the San Francisco Giants three days later. The Giants DFA’d him five days later and then traded him to the Angels, where he made 10 appearances.

Baumann has not pitched very well at any of his stops. He owns a 5.24 ERA through 44.2 innings this year.

Baumann had an outstanding season in 2023 when the Orioles clinched the American League East title. He posted a 10-1 record with a 3.76 ERA across 60 appearances, striking out 61 and walking 33 over 64.2 innings.

After three years at Jacksonville University, the Orioles selected Baumann in the third round of the 2017 draft.

He worked his way up to the big leagues and made his Major League Baseball debut with the Orioles in 2021, eventually becoming a reliable reliever.

During his time with Baltimore, he appeared in 94 games, posting a 13-5 record with a 4.45 ERA, 105 strikeouts, and 57 walks over 127.1 innings. Across his four MLB seasons, he holds a 15-5 record with a 4.80 ERA, 129 strikeouts, and 69 walks in 153.2 innings.

In a corresponding move, the Angels selected the contract of righty reliever Ryan Zeferjahn.

The Los Angeles Angels would have needed to add Zeferjahn to their 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Instead, they’re giving him his first big league opportunity a few weeks early, allowing him to potentially secure a middle relief role heading into next season.

MAREN ANGUS-COOMBS

Nick Senzel, former Reds first-round pick, designated for assignment by Chicago White Sox

For the second time in two months, former Cincinnati Reds infielder and outfielder Nick Senzel has been designated for assignment.

The Chicago White Sox announced the Senzel move Monday.

Senzel, who turned 29 years old in June, had three hits in 32 plate appearances over 10 games with the White Sox, with one walk and eight strikeouts.

Senzel hit a go-ahead, two-run home run for the Reds in the 10th inning against the Washington Nationals on July 6, 2023. Senzel, who signed a one-year deal with the Nats last December, was designated for assignment by Washington exactly one year after that homer.

Senzel was expected to start the Nats' Opening Day game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park, but he broke his thumb before the game started.

Senzel played five seasons for Cincinnati, with a career-high 420 plate appearances in 2022. He batted .239 with 33 homers for the Reds between 2019 and 2023.

The Reds made him the second overall pick of the 2016 MLB draft out of University of Tennessee.

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MLB Trade Rumors

Athletics Designate Abraham Toro For Assignment

By Darragh McDonald | August 27, 2024 at 2:05pm CDT

The Athletics announced that they have reinstated infielder Jacob Wilson from the 10-day injured list and recalled infielder Armando Alvarez . They had optioned infielder Darell Hernaiz after last night’s game, opening one roster spot. They opened another by designating infielder Abraham Toro for assignment.

Toro, 27, was acquire from the Brewers in November, just prior to the non-tender deadline. Presumably, the Brewers were considering cutting him loose but the A’s were willing to give him a shot and sent minor league pitcher Chad Patrick the other way.

For a while, it looked like a shrewd pickup for Oakland. Toro and the A’s agreed to a salary of $1.275MM for this year, not far above the $740K league minimum, and he came with two extra years of potential club control as well. Through the end of May, he was hitting .288/.332/.429 for a wRC+ of 118 while bouncing around to all the non-shortstop infield positions as well as the outfield corners.

But things have fallen off dramatically since then, as Toro is hitting .160/.228/.216 since the start of June. Perhaps the A’s had some hope of flipping him in a deadline trade, but that was complicated by the fact that he was on the injured list from June 22 to July 21 due to a strained left hamstring and wasn’t hitting much around that IL stint.

The A’s will give Toro’s playing time to younger players who are looking to get acclimated to the major leagues. Since Toro is out of options, the club couldn’t easily send him down to the minors, which has led to this DFA.

With the deadline now passed, the A’s will have to place Toro on waivers. Perhaps some club will be interested based on his early season results. The numbers have fallen off but the injury perhaps explains some of that. He also has a tiny .188 batting average on balls in play in that rough patch starting at the beginning of June, compared to a .333 BABIP he carried through the end of May. If any club likes him enough to put in a claim, he can be controlled through 2026.

If he passes through waivers unclaimed, he will likely stick with the A’s as non-roster depth. Since he has more than three years of service time, he has the right to elect free agency. But since he has less than five years of service, he would have to forfeit his remaining salary to do so. If he ends up sticking with the A’s in a non-roster capacity, he would become a free agent at season’s end, like all outrighted players with at least three years of service.

18 Comments

8 hours ago

Remember you heard this first. 2025 A’s ahead of the Astros in the standings

7 hours ago

Wouldn’t be shocking. Question is how Texas will respond next year.

If the astros lose bregman than I can see that, maybe astros finish .500 in 2025 and then if tucker leaves they rebuild in 2026

2024 is their last (strong) dance and 2025 is the real last dance

No need to emphasize your involvement, I always remember where I first heard stupid things.

Toro?? why?? It just does not make that much sense… The guy was just the A’s motor at the start of the season… Unfortunately, he got hurt and therefore lost his mojo – and his role – but otherwise Toro was great…

Jacob Wilson will make Toro that much easier to forget about

Toro instead of Tyler Nevin ???

Toro’s stats are better than Nevin’s.

Then again, his Pops isn’t Phil Nevin.

Toro will get MVP votes next season

Agree 100% The NPB has alot of good players, so he definitely won’t win, but a good AAAA player like Toro can really put up some numbers over there.

6 hours ago

“The NPB has a lot of good”…If that doesn’t work out, Abraham Toro can start working on his dance moves, because the Savanna Bananas are always hiring. If he clears waivers quickly Toro can sign onto the Banana’s current musical version of “The Natural”.

Unfortunately after the injury Toro was completely unproductive

Man that makes the Milwaukee trade for Toro seem even more ludicrous. The Brewers return of Chad Patrick has been one of the best starting pitchers in AAA this year. The A’s could regret this one for years to come.

4 hours ago

Kind of feels like Patrick will never pitch in the bigs for Milwaukee. They dug up Keuchel’s corpse out of a Toronto cemetery rather than call him up in the middle of an impressive stretch of games. Seems like the front office doesn’t believe his stuff will play above AAA. Toro was not going to be given a contract by Milwaukee though, so they did well to even get milb fodder.

Toro? That’s a lot of bull.

I have to give Toro a lot of credit – he has consistently been a banjo hitter since day one with HOU. For a brief moment he was an Astro killer with SEA, but his spurts of productivity have been few and far between. Somebody will kid themselves into thinking otherwise and sign this guy to a minors deal.

And that somebody will be Farhan Zaidi. Mark it down.

A’s roster and with its upside is better right now than many lineups on mlb. Patience.

7 seconds ago

He’d be an upgrade over Singleton in HOU

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Jason Heyward lands with new playoff team after Dodgers release

Jun 18, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) enters the dugout to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Heyward has landed with a new World Series contender after being cut by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Heyward on Tuesday agreed to sign with the Houston Astros, according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. The deal is pending a physical.

Jason Heyward has a deal done with the Astros pending a physical, per source. He was released by the Dodgers yesterday and is making $9 million this season on a one-year deal signed last winter. @brianmctaggart mentioned things were close. — Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) August 27, 2024

Heyward was designated for assignment by the Dodgers this week after Chris Taylor returned from a groin injury. The 36-year-old batted .208 with 6 home runs and 28 RBI in 63 games for L.A. this season.

Heyward, who was named an All-Star in 2010 and has won five Gold Glove Awards, had been a popular veteran in L.A. over the past two seasons. He delivered a huge pinch-hit home run that helped lift the Dodgers to a win over the Seattle Mariners last week.

After he enjoyed a resurgent year in 2023 where he hit .269 with 15 home runs, 40 RBI and an .813 OPS, Heyward re-signed with the Dodgers on a 1-year, $9 million deal this past offseason. The Astros could use a productive bat in their outfield and are hoping Heyward can revert back to something more closely resembling his 2023 form.

The Astros entered Tuesday with a record of 70-61. They have a 3.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for first place in the AL West.

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Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Dodgers designate veteran outfielder for assignment.

• August 22, 2024

Katherine Wacker

As first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment. The Dodgers have activated utility man Chris Taylor from the injured list in a corresponding move. Heyward has seen limited playing time lately with the addition of Tommy Edman and Kevin Kiermaier who were acquired at the trade deadline . The clubhouse favorite has dealt with his share of injuries this year as well. He had a .208 batting average with six home runs in just 63 games with Los Angeles this year.

Sources: The Dodgers have designated Jason Heyward for assignment. — Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 22, 2024

Dodgers Designate Jason Heyward for Assignment

Roster crunch.

There has been a lot of speculation as to who takes the remaining roster spots as players return from injury. Kiermaier is a Gold Glove center fielder. Defense comes at a premium, especially in October. Taylor, Edman, and Kiké Hernández can each play multiple positions on the diamond, giving the Dodgers increased flexibility during the postseason. In addition, Taylor and Hernández, who can be streaky with the bat, have proven to be clutch in past Octobers. Unfortunately, this leaves Heyward, a corner outfielder, the odd man out.

A Moment to Remember

If this is the last of Heyward in a Dodger uniform, he certainly went out with a bang Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners. In the bottom of the eighth inning with two on and two out, the veteran was called on to pitch hit. On a 2-1 pitch, Heyward sent a line drive over the right field fence to break a tie and put the Dodgers ahead for good. This led many to think that Heyward had saved his postseason roster spot. It was not to be. For all its beauty, baseball can also be brutal.

The Dodgers have officially designated Jason Heyward for assignment and activated Chris Taylor off the injured list. Heyward’s pinch-hit, go-ahead, three-run home run on Tuesday could very well be his final moment in a Dodger uniform. pic.twitter.com/swhqmHVEMm — Noah Camras (@noahcamras) August 22, 2024

Heralded History

Heyward came up to the Atlanta Braves in 2010 and promptly homered in his first big-league at-bat. He also helped the Chicago Cubs win a World Series in 2016.

Photo Credit: © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Twins’ Byron Buxton expected to go on rehab assignment with Saints this week

Center fielder Byron Buxton, out since Aug. 12 because of a sore hip, won’t be activated until the Twins are sure he can play the outfield again, manager Rocco Baldelli said.

By Phil Miller

It appears Byron Buxton will play his first-ever games in Nebraska this week, a good sign that he will be playing in Minnesota again soon.

The Twins center fielder is likely to join the St. Paul Saints on a rehabilitation assignment before returning to the major league roster, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said, “and I think we’re getting closer to that,” he added. “I don’t think it’ll be a long rehab assignment, but he probably will go on one.”

Buxton, out since Aug. 12 because of a sore hip, won’t be activated until the Twins are sure he can play the outfield again. Baldelli ruled out easing him back in as a designated hitter for a few days.

“We’re at our best when he’s in center field,” the manager said. “We need to get him ready to play the outfield.”

No specific dates have been decided upon, but the Class AAA Saints are set to open a six-day series with the Omaha Storm Chasers on Tuesday night, giving Buxton plenty of time to play a few games and return to the Twins before their homestand ends Sunday.

Bally Sports update could be coming

The Twins, and the several dozen other pro sports teams that are televised by Diamond Sports Group’s Bally Sports regional networks, might finally learn next week whether the networks will remain on the air.

A hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Houston courtroom of federal bankruptcy judge Christopher Lopez, who will ultimately rule on whether to allow Diamond to implement its new business plan or order the company to shut down.

The latter possibility remains unlikely, especially after Diamond confirmed last week that it has reached agreements with 13 NBA teams and seven NHL teams, including the Timberwolves and Wild on Bally Sports North, to broadcast their games in the upcoming 2024-25 season. According to Sports Business Journal, the NBA teams have agreed to reductions between 30% and 40% of their previous rights fees, and the NHL teams roughly 20%.

But Amazon, which earlier this year announced it would pay Diamond $115 million in order to steam games on its Prime app, has withdrawn that offer, SBJ reported Monday. How that affects Diamond’s chances of receiving Lopez’s approval next week remains to be seen, especially since Major League Baseball has been outspoken in its skepticism that Diamond remains a viable business in an era of cord-cutting.

“If Diamond continues to exist, you can make an argument in some markets that the status quo with Diamond would be good for those clubs,” Twins President Dave St. Peter said last week. “We don’t have a long-term contract with them, so our situation is different. Diamond could be an option under the right circumstances for us, but there are other options, and we are actively exploring those.”

The Twins are committed to providing a direct-to-consumer streaming option next year and beyond, St. Peter reiterated, something the team hoped to do this season until the uncertainly surrounding Diamond’s bankruptcy lingered too long for them to find another partner.

Related Coverage

“It’s been a long, drawn-out process,” St. Peter said, “More than anything, we’re looking forward to Judge Lopez resolving this case so we can make informed decisions about how we’ll be broadcast in the future.”

Kepler runs on field

Max Kepler ran on the field before Monday’s game in order to test his left knee, one day after knee soreness kept him out of the lineup. He missed Monday’s game, too, but Baldelli said an MRI test found no evidence of a serious injury, just “normal wear and tear for this time of year.”

about the writer

Phil miller.

Phil Miller has covered the Twins for the Star Tribune since 2013. Previously, he covered the University of Minnesota football team, and from 2007-09, he covered the Twins for the Pioneer Press.

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