designated for assignment mlb

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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Yankees designate pitcher Tonkin for assignment, four months after claiming him from Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees shuffled their bullpen Sunday, designating Michael Tonkin for assignment and selecting the contract of Phil Bickford from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Tonkin was 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 39 appearances since being claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on April 26. Tonkin posted a 1.84 ERA in his first 22 appearances with the Yankees but had a 5.74 ERA in his last 17 outings.

The Yankees have seven days to trade, release or send Tonkin outright to the minors.

Tonkin allowed a two-run homer to Jake Cave in Saturday’s 9-2 loss to Colorado and allowed three runs in Cleveland’s six-run 12th inning on Tuesday.

“Tough one today,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Tonk’s been great. He pitched well for us. He’s been a great teammate. So difficult decision there.”

It was the fourth time this season Tonkin was designated for assignment. Tonkin was cut twice in an 18-day span by the Mets and also by the Twins after one appearance.

The 34-year-old right-hander started the season with the Mets, then was designated for assignment April 5. The Twins acquired him four days later for cash and the Mets reacquired Tonkin off waivers April 17.

The Mets signed Tonkin to a one-year deal in the offseason after he was 7-3 with a 4.28 ERA in 45 appearances last season for the Atlanta Braves. It was the first major league season since 2017 for the 6-foot-7 reliever, who pitched parts of five seasons for the Twins before pitching in Japan, Mexico and the independent Atlantic League along with three different Triple-A teams between 2018 and 2023.

Bickford allowed eight runs in five appearances for the Yankees June 21-29. With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he was 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 34 appearances.

The former first-round pick split last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Mets and is 11-8 with a 4.70 ERA in 184 career outings with the Milwaukee Brewers, Dodgers, Mets and Yankees.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Yankees designate pitcher Michael Tonkin for assignment

• Associated Press

NEW YORK -- The Yankees shuffled their bullpen Sunday, designating Michael Tonkin for assignment and selecting the contract of Phil Bickford from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Tonkin was 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 39 appearances since being claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on April 26. Tonkin posted a 1.84 ERA in his first 22 appearances with the Yankees but had a 5.74 ERA in his last 17 outings.

The Yankees have seven days to trade, release or send Tonkin outright to the minors.

Tonkin allowed a two-run homer to Jake Cave in Saturday's 9-2 loss to Colorado and allowed three runs in the 12th inning in Tuesday's 9-5 loss to Cleveland.

"Tough one today," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Tonk's been great. He pitched well for us. He's been a great teammate. So difficult decision there."

It was the fourth time this season Tonkin was designated for assignment. Tonkin was cut twice in an 18-day span by the Mets and also by the Minnesota Twins after one appearance.

The 34-year-old right-hander started the season with the Mets, then was designated for assignment April 5. The Twins acquired him four days later for cash and the Mets reacquired Tonkin off waivers April 17.

The Mets signed Tonkin to a one-year deal in the offseason after he was 7-3 with a 4.28 ERA in 45 appearances last season for the Atlanta Braves . It was the first major league season since 2017 for the 6-foot-7 reliever, who pitched parts of five seasons for the Twins before pitching in Japan, Mexico and the independent Atlantic League along with three different Triple-A teams between 2018 and 2023.

Bickford allowed eight runs in five appearances for the Yankees from June 21 to 29. With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he was 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 34 appearances.

The former first-round pick split last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Mets and is 11-8 with a 4.70 ERA in 184 career outings with the Milwaukee Brewers , Dodgers, Mets and Yankees.

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

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

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

What do they all have in common?

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

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

What does DFA mean in baseball?

Designated for assignment.

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

What does being designated for assignment mean?

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

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

Can another team claim a DFA'd player?

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

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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.

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Former San Francisco Giants Reliever Designated for Assignment Again

Matthew postins | 23 hours ago.

• San Francisco Giants

Mike Baumann’s time with the San Francisco Giants was brief. And, now, he’s heading back to the open market.

The Los Angeles Angels designated him the right-handed reliever for assignment on Friday night, per the MLB transactions wire. The Angels made the move to call up reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Baumann landed with the Giants on July 22 in a trade with the Seattle Mariners . He pitched just one game for the Giants on July 26 against Colorado , as he gave up three hits and two earned runs in less than an inning.

The Giants DFA’ed him the next day and it was the third time this season he was designated for assignment.

Since leaving the Giants he’s pitched in 10 games for the Angels and had a 6.75 ERA with seven strikeouts and four walks in 9.1 innings.

Now that he’s heading for waivers, other MLB teams will have an opportunity to claim him. But because he is over the two-year service time threshold he will have to be placed on a 40-man roster.

The advantage for a team that picks him up is that he is still a pre-arbitration player, so that team would control his rights for 2025.

Baumann started the season with the Baltimore Orioles and turned in a solid performance, as he went 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA in 17 appearances. He struck out 16 and walked nine in 18.1 innings.

But, in spite of an exceptional start to the season and an incredible 2023, he was caught in a roster crunch when starter Grayson Rodriguez returned from the 15-day injured list.

To make room for Rodriguez, the O’s DFA’ed Baumann on May 18, hoping he might clear waivers and give Baltimore a chance to re-sign him and assignment him to the minors.

It didn’t work. Seattle claimed him and worked out a trade, sending Baumann catcher Michael Perez to the Mariners for catcher Blake Ford.

That trigger Baumann’s itinerant summer, as the Mariners DFA’ed him on July 19. Again, he didn’t clear waivers and the Mariners traded him to the Giants.

The Giants did the same, dealing him to the Angels.

In his four MLB seasons he is 15-5 with a 4.80 ERA with 129 strikeouts and 69 walks in 153.2 innings. His best season was in 2023 when the Orioles won the American League East. He went 10-1 with a 3.76 ERA in 60 appearances. He struck out 61 and walked 33 in 64.2 innings.

After three years with Jacksonville University, the Orioles made the Mahtomedi, Minn., native their third-round pick in 2017. He made his MLB debut in 2021.

MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation.

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

DFA Meaning Baseball

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

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

Reasons for Designating Players for Assignment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Designate for Assignment Process

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

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

What Happens After Designation for Assignment?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Opinion on DFA

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

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

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

Learn More What Is A Breaking Ball?

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

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

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Yankees designate relief pitcher for assignment in surprising roster move

The New York Yankees designated relief pitcher Michael Tonkin for assignment, the team announced Sunday.

In somewhat of a surprising move, Tonkin had been a reliable bullpen arm for the Yankees since he was claimed from the New York Mets on April 22.

Despite posting a 3.38 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 56 innings, the Yankees feel they need to make room with a handful of bullpen reinforcements on the way back from injuries.

Though Tonkin had been a reliable arm, his recent outings may have shown the writing was on the wall. Tonkin recorded a 2.36 ERA in 45.2 innings during the first half of the season. However, he posted a 6.98 ERA in 19.1 innings during the second half.

The Yankees need bullpen help in the worst way, and there's a chance they see the return of relievers Scott Effros, Lou Trivino and Ian Hamilton.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees selected right-handed pitcher Phil Bickford to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the active roster.

In 34 games and 45 innings pitched, Bickford posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.13 WHIP at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle.

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MLB options, waivers and outright assignments, explained

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

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

Here is how they work.

What are waivers?

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

What are MLB options?

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

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

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

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

There are three types of waivers.

Outright waivers

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

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

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

Release waivers

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

Special waivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Yankees designate Tonkin for assignment, four months after claiming him from Mets

New York Yankees relief pitcher Michael Tonkin delivers during the baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Chris Szagola/AP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the specifics of Madison Bumgarner's DFA?

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

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

How much do the Diamondbacks owe Madison Bumgarner?

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

More on Madison Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks

Madison Bumgarner designated for assignment by Diamondbacks

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

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

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

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

Support local journalism: Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

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

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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Force out: What happens to players who are designated for assignment?

This has been a big year for one of baseball's most mundane transactions.

From Hanley Ramirez to Matt Harvey, from Phil Hughes to Melky Cabrera, from Adrian Gonzalez to Pedro Alvarez, there may never have been a season with more big names listed in the depths of the newspaper agate pages under those three cruel words: Designated for assignment.

When a team decides to DFA a player, he's taken off the 40-man roster immediately, and the team has seven days - a change this season, as previously it was 10 days - to trade him, send him outright to the minor leagues after he clears waivers, or release him. That is what happens from an official standpoint, but it's easy to forget that there is an actual person whose life is turned upside down when the DFA comes.

Imagine being a professional baseball player, but all of a sudden you have nowhere to play baseball. What do you do?

"It's a complete case-by-case basis," said Angels outfielder Chris Young, who was DFA'd by the Mets in August of 2014, then released before signing with the Yankees and rejuvenating his career.

"I went home, continued to work out and hit, and then I got the phone call from the Yankees. You don't know anything. I didn't know anything. I was just hopeful that another opportunity would come my way, and when it did, try to take advantage of it."

Young makes it sound fairly simple, but just going home and working out to stay in game shape is a challenge. If and when another team comes calling, the opportunity to make an impression can be fleeting.

The best way to prepare for that would be to head to the organization's minor league facility, hit the gym, and get some reps on the field with minor leaguers. When a player is designated for assignment, though, that is not an option - even if the team's plan is for an outright assignment to the minors. During that week, the player is not part of the team, but also not free.

"You're in limbo," said former Cubs infielder Jeff Huson, now a Rockies broadcaster, remembering when he was designated for assignment in 1996 by the Orioles . "You either go home, or you stay in the city for a few days. In my case, I waited around for a few days because I got DFA'd by Baltimore, and I stayed there because I didn't want to go home, because what if it's an East Coast team that claims me? Then I'd have to go all the way back.

"You literally sit there not knowing what your future's gonna hold. It's the worst possible case for a player, because you have no home, and you're trying to stay in shape - where do you go? You maybe go to a high school field? Play some video games and the quarters you have left over, go in the cage? Think about playing in a major-league game, then going to some warehouse and hitting off a machine, or even if you can find somebody to throw to you, they're not going to be as good as what you get in the major leagues.”

At the same time that physical challenge is foisted upon a player, there's also the mental one. It's not just the potential ennui of being without a team, but of having been cut from a 40-man roster. How a player handles that can have a lot to do with what happens next, and seizing that opportunity.

"I never took it as anything bad or looked too far into it when all I could do was just keep working on stuff," said Yankees reliever A.J. Cole, who had a 13.06 ERA when the Nationals designated him for assignment in April, and has posted a 0.69 mark in seven appearances with New York since a trade for cash considerations. "I needed to keep doing what I need to do as a pitcher.

"Everyone says it's always good to get a good start in a different place, and sometimes it is. Right now, it's really helping me, and there's some great guys here that help me out. It's a fun place to play here."

Not every player gets to land with a team as good as this year's Yankees, but there can be positives in other ways. Cubs catcher Chris Gimenez has been DFA'd four times in his career, thrice during the season. His experiences have varied from heading to the minors - "once you decide to accept the assignment, you're champing at the bit to get there" - to being traded to a Cleveland team in 2016 that wound up going to the World Series.

That was Gimenez's third time with Cleveland, having made his debut there in 2009, with stops in Seattle , Tampa Bay , and Texas before returning to Ohio in 2014.

"That was the one that kind of sticks with me," Gimenez said. "In that case, it worked out good, because my wife was basically ready to have our second son. We had two times where we went into the hospital and nothing happened, and that kind of gave me an extra three days. The terrible thing was, we were building our house where we live now, so we were staying with her parents, and our 3-year-old son, at the time, was there. It was a little bit of a crowded spot, and I appreciate her parents letting us stay there, because it wasn't the original plan the way everything happened.

"I ended up spending six days at home - three on the paternity leave, and three after I (was designated for assignment). Then I got the next flight to Texas, and ended up coming home like four days after that anyway - I got traded, was there for a day, then my wife had our son. It was a lot of travel for a few days, but that's alright.

"Every possible way that could've happened to me, it's happened in my career, but that's how it goes, and you can either let it affect you, or just suck it up and go about your business."

Jesse Spector is the sports business columnist for Dealbreaker, a columnist for Rockies Magazine, the host of "Jesse Spector Is..." on Lightning Power Play Radio, and one of the hosts of the Locked On Yankees podcast. He previously was the national baseball and hockey writer for Sporting News, covered the New York Rangers for the Daily News, and worked for SportsTicker, the Associated Press, and the Brooklyn Eagle. He lives in New York.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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7 Interesting Facts About Designated For Assignment Rule in MLB

• Strategic Roster Management : Designating a player for assignment (DFA) allows MLB teams to free up a spot on their 40-man roster and provides a period of seven days to trade, release, or waive the player, making it a crucial tool for managing roster flexibility and team performance
• Financial and Development Considerations : DFA decisions involve significant financial implications, as the original team remains responsible for the player’s salary if unclaimed. It also allows teams to promote promising talent and manage payroll effectively, balancing immediate needs with long-term development.

It’s midseason, and the team just DFA’d their star third baseman. Fans are buzzing, wondering why the front office would cut ties with a player they signed to a multi-million dollar deal just last year. In the clubhouse, teammates are packing for a road trip, whispering about trade rumors and roster moves. The manager has a tough call to make, balancing the team’s future with the pressure to win now. Why would a team pay a player to leave in the middle of a playoff race? Let’s unravel the strategy behind these high-stakes decisions in MLB.

What is Designated For Assignment (DFA)?

DFA is a procedural term in Major League Baseball (MLB) used when a team wants to remove a player from their 40-man roster. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• Removal from Roster : When a player is DFA’d, they are immediately removed from the team’s 40-man roster. This move is often made to clear space for another player, such as a prospect being called up or a newly acquired player.
• Seven-Day Window : After being DFA’d, the team has seven days to decide what to do with the player. During this period, the team can trade the player, release him, or place him on waivers.
• Waivers : If placed on waivers, other MLB teams have the opportunity to claim the player. If another team claims him, they assume responsibility for the remainder of his contract.
• Outright Assignment : If the player clears waivers (meaning no other team claims him), the original team can outright him to the minor leagues. The player can accept this assignment or reject it if he has enough service time (more than three years in MLB) or has been outrighted before. Rejecting the assignment makes him a free agent.
• Release : If the team releases the player, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. The original team remains responsible for the remainder of his contract, minus any amount the player earns from a new team, which is usually the league minimum.
• Financial Responsibility : Regardless of whether the player is traded, outrighted, or released, the original team is generally on the hook for the remaining salary unless another team claims him off waivers.

DFA decisions are complex and strategic, balancing roster flexibility, player performance, and financial considerations.

7 Interesting Facts about DFA

Sure, here are seven interesting facts about the Designated for Assignment (DFA) process in Major League Baseball (MLB):

• DFA Clock : Once a player is designated for assignment, the team has seven days (reduced from ten days as of the 2017-2021 collective bargaining agreement) to decide the player’s fate. During this time, the team can trade the player, release him, or place him on waivers.
• Roster Flexibility : DFA’ing a player immediately frees up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster. This can be crucial for teams needing to make room for a returning player from the injured list, a new acquisition, or a minor league prospect ready for the majors.
• Waiver Claims : If a player is placed on waivers during the DFA period, other teams have the opportunity to claim him. If a team claims the player, they assume responsibility for the remainder of his contract, which can be a significant financial consideration.
• Outright Assignment : If the player clears waivers (meaning no team claims him), the original team can outright him to the minor leagues. However, players with more than three years of MLB service time or who have been previously outrighted can reject this assignment and choose free agency instead.
• Financial Implications : When a player is outrighted or released, the original team is still responsible for paying the remainder of his contract, unless another team claims him off waivers. If the player signs with a new team after being released, the new team only needs to pay the league minimum, with the original team covering the rest of the owed salary.
• Second Chance : DFA can sometimes act as a wake-up call or second chance for players. Some players who clear waivers and accept an outright assignment to the minors can work on their performance and eventually make a successful return to the majors.
• Strategic Moves : Teams often use the DFA process strategically, not only to improve their roster but also to manage their payroll and future talent pipeline. By DFA’ing underperforming or redundant players, teams can make way for promising talent and better allocate their financial resources.

These facts highlight the complexity and strategic importance of the DFA process in MLB, illustrating how teams balance performance, finances, and player development in their roster decisions.

Can a team DFA at any time?

A team can designate a player for assignment (DFA) at any time during the season. Here are some key points about the timing and circumstances under which a player can be DFA’d:

• Regular Season : Teams frequently use the DFA process during the regular season to manage their 40-man roster. This can happen at any point during the season when they need to make room for a new player, be it due to a trade, a player returning from the injured list, or a minor leaguer being called up.
• Offseason : Players can also be DFA’d during the offseason. This often occurs when teams need to make roster adjustments to protect certain players from the Rule 5 Draft or to prepare for free-agent signings and trades.
• Injuries and Performance : DFA can be used when a player is underperforming or returning from an injury and the team decides they need to adjust their roster. This allows the team to replace underperforming players with potentially better options.
• Contractual Considerations : Sometimes, financial strategy plays a role. A team might DFA a player to manage payroll or to strategically position themselves for future transactions.
• Roster Crunch : In moments of roster crunch, such as just before the trade deadline or during playoff pushes, DFA is a tool to optimize the roster for immediate needs.

DFA During Playoffs

During the playoffs, the rules regarding Designated for Assignment (DFA) are slightly different:

• Postseason Roster Rules : MLB teams must set their postseason rosters before the start of each playoff series. Once a player is on the playoff roster, they generally remain on it for the duration of that series unless they are injured.
• DFA in Playoffs : While a player can technically be DFA’d during the playoffs, it is uncommon. Teams are more likely to make such moves in the lead-up to the playoffs rather than during them, as the postseason roster is more stable. Any player DFA’d during the playoffs would not be eligible to be replaced on the postseason roster unless they are injured.
• Injury Replacements : If a player on the playoff roster is injured and unable to continue, the team can replace him with another player from the 40-man roster. This is one of the few scenarios where roster adjustments, including DFA decisions, might happen during the playoffs.
• Strategic Considerations : Teams are more strategic and cautious about roster moves during the playoffs. The focus is on maximizing the current roster’s potential rather than making long-term adjustments.

In summary, while DFA is possible during the playoffs, it is rare and usually only considered in specific circumstances, such as injuries, where roster adjustments are necessary. The postseason roster rules and the strategic nature of playoff baseball typically lead teams to make their DFA decisions before the playoffs begin.

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

Why Do Players Get DFA (Designated for Assignment)?

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

What Does It Mean to Be Designated for Assignment?

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

Why Do Teams Designate Players for Assignment?

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

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

Underperformance

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

Roster Considerations

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

Implications of Being Designated for Assignment

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

Process of Being DFA’d

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

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

D-backs DFA struggling Madison Bumgarner

Steve Gilbert

PHOENIX -- One day after watching him give up seven runs in three innings and just over three seasons into a five-year, $85 million contract, the D-backs on Thursday designated left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner for assignment.

Left-hander Anthony Misiewicz was recalled from Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move.

“I think the recent performance over the first part of the season, in totality, kind of adding up start after start, trying to live through as long as we could, knowing that we wanted it to turn around,” D-backs GM Mike Hazen said before the club's 7-5 loss to the Padres . “We didn't see that as of yesterday, and so we made the decision.”

Bumgarner finished his tenure in Arizona with a 15-32 mark and a 5.23 ERA in 69 starts. He can now be traded or claimed by another team off waivers within seven days.

“Just not very good,” Bumgarner said of his Wednesday start . “Haven't been very good. It's frustrating. I obviously am trying to do better, putting in the work, it just hasn't shown up yet.”

The D-backs continued to hope that some way, some how, Bumgarner would turn things around. Hazen and his staff began seriously considering this move after Bumgarner struggled last Friday night in Miami.

Hazen talked with managing general partner Ken Kendrick and team president/CEO Derrick Hall about the situation following that game because they would need to sign off on releasing a pitcher who is still owed around $34 million.

“They asked me for my recommendations, I make my recommendations and they tell me to do what I need to do to win baseball games,” Hazen said. “So we made those recommendations, and they agreed with them.”

A key driver in making the decision now is that the D-backs are off to a good start.

“I've thought about that word ‘urgency’ over the last 48 hours,” Hazen said. “And, yes, I think that I ask our players and staff to have urgency around how we’re going to play and attack. And so I have to do the same thing. I can’t be a hypocrite and ask for that and not do it in my job. So that was part of the reason we made a decision. The team has played its butts off over the first three weeks of the season, frankly.”

Hazen delivered the news face to face to Bumgarner when the team arrived back from St. Louis on Wednesday night.

The financial impact of the move won’t impact the D-backs' spending this year, as Bumgarner was going to be paid regardless. Next year, though, it’s possible that the money owed to Bumgarner could limit the D-backs' flexibility, but the team does not determine its budget until the winter, so it’s hard to know exactly what it will do to it.

“Next year’s money is the dead money where you theoretically could have done something with, maybe, but we'll see,” Hazen said. “And in the end, look, I was told to do what needs to be done to win baseball games.”

And given the starting-pitching depth the D-backs have, they felt like those options gave them a better chance to win games than Bumgarner did.

While Misiewicz was called up to fill a spot on the roster, Tommy Henry is expected to get called up to take Bumgarner’s start Monday against the Royals. Brandon Pfaadt was also a candidate, but he was scheduled to start Thursday for Reno, which meant the D-backs would have had to juggle the schedule to have him ready for Monday. Pfaadt is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the D-backs' No. 3 prospect .

“Tommy deserves his opportunity, as well,” Hazen said. “He’s throwing the ball down there and was up here last year and threw very well for us for eight weeks. Brandon is going to pitch up here, and he's going to be a very good player for us. And it's going to come. But it's not going to come right this second”

Henry will give the D-backs three rookies in their rotation, along with Drey Jameson and Ryne Nelson.

“They can all pitch,” Lovullo said. “Some of them are already showing it right now. There's going to be some volatility, for sure. We know that, but they all have really good stuff.”