The San Francisco Giants have made some surprising moves, placing three players on waivers: left-handed relievers Tyler Matzek and Taylor Rogers, as well as infielder Thairo Estrada. This means that any team willing to claim them can acquire their services and pay the remainder of their salaries for 2024.
Matzek, who was acquired in a trade last month, has yet to pitch for the Giants as he is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento. On the other hand, Estrada, who started the season as the Opening Day second baseman, has been a standout defensively but has struggled at the plate this year. His on-base percentage sits at just .246, and he has one of the worst chase rates in baseball.
While Estrada has been placed on irrevocable waivers, meaning any team can claim him, he can still continue playing for the Giants unless he gets claimed. However, the claiming team would need to pay him the remaining $850,000 he is owed for the season, which could deter some teams. This move suggests that the Giants are unlikely to offer arbitration to Estrada this offseason, signaling a potential change in their long-term plans for him.
Just 15 months ago, Estrada was seen as a key part of the Giants’ future, with excellent defensive skills and a solid OPS. However, his performance declined over time, and this season has been particularly challenging for him. The Giants have been giving playing time to other players, such as Marco Luciano, Casey Schmitt, and Brett Wisely, indicating that they are preparing for a potential departure of Estrada.
In contrast to Estrada, Taylor Rogers has been having a strong season. He boasts a 2.45 ERA and has above-average strikeout and walk rates. The 33-year-old left-hander is owed around $2.15 million this season and $12 million for 2025. This reasonable financial obligation could make him an attractive option for contending teams looking to bolster their bullpen for the postseason. Interestingly, Rogers’ twin brother, Tyler, currently serves as the Giants’ setup man.
Unfortunately, the Giants faced further setbacks as two key members of their pitching staff, left-hander Robbie Ray and right-hander Jordan Hicks, were placed on the 15-day injured list. Ray has been dealing with hamstring tightness, while Hicks is nursing right shoulder soreness. These injuries come at a crucial time for the Giants, who are currently 5 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot with a record of 67-66.
Overall, the Giants’ decision to place Matzek, Rogers, and Estrada on waivers indicates their willingness to potentially shake up their roster and make adjustments for the future. While Estrada’s struggles at the plate may have contributed to his placement on waivers, Rogers’ strong performance could make him an attractive trade target for contending teams. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these moves impact the Giants’ playoff aspirations and the overall composition of their team.