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Being claimed is the players lifeline to a 40man roster spot. Yes he can be demoted once w/out his permission but he’s still on the 40man. After that he can elect free agency. Does he want it?
Not being claimed is the players problem. The offseason shuffling from one 40man to the next is a welcome sight to the player and not the annoyance it’s being presented as. These fringe players want that 40man spot, not the freedom to sign a minors deal.
I see it differently. What the players seem to want most is stability. The impact on a player off the field with all this movement is considerable. But 40-man pay anywhere beats the minors for sure.
I agree that a change would have to be driven by the Players’ Union. Doubting it will be a priority to them, though.
I asked Bloom about it. He told me the only stipulation is that a claimed player must remain on the roster for 48 hours. For the team’s perspective, they are likely trying to improve their hand any way they can.
I just think there should be a better balance.
I see your point too. The current waiver system is very American, viewing all players as hired guns, like our economy views its workers.
Those 14 reservists have a better pay grade and next man up status, items they don’t want to lose. Free enterprise says be a better hired gun to advance. I like the current “earn it” system.
I understand why the teams do it as well and I’m not faulting them for trying to improve the org. I also think the players probably do enjoy having the 40 man pay. For the guys that may want some stability, I can see them liking the 3rd DFA you can declare FA. You could make it so it has to be voluntary to go to FA.
I just imagine for those individuals it is hard not knowing physically where to be or have your family. Look at Ramos he showed up to camp what a day or 2, started trying to get to know the people in the org, and likely next week will be doing the same thing somewhere else.
No transaction yet, but an IL move will be made after camp.
Reported first at The Cardinal Nation. Acquired from Boston in the Sonny Gray trade, #stlcards minor league left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke is expected to be out until June. It is the continuation of a concerning injury history for the 22-year-old top prospect. Free article!… pic.twitter.com/QYdG60SPaG
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) February 18, 2026
Clarke at this point can be expected to be a nothingburger as a trade return. Tink Hence was mentioned in the article…he makes Tink look like a tank, by comparison. Bloom’s first move will depend on whether Fitts can provide any value. $20M for Richard Fitts, a back end starter that can be acquired for peanuts on the open market, seems a little steep.
Bryan Ramos back to Baltimore: https://t.co/6wwUV8odWs
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) February 20, 2026
A couple guesses before the news comes out:
*MLB deal, 3mil, maybe 4mil. The Stanek/Pallante range.
*Noot’s timeline is driving this, but a RHB OF of Urias value wasn’t found.
*Noot may go 60day for Urias.
*Fermin/Church as LF and Fermin is out of options.
*Gorman, Urias, Saggese and JJ as 3B/2B is adequate depth but JJ will need a spot too. Still time for that to work itself out.If Urias and JJ need added, Noot and Prieto’s 40man roster spots look vulnerable to change on the position player side. Lets hope Noot is the only injury that needs factored in 🤞
TBDNot sure the cardinals need a free agent here. Seems like a spot that could be found internally, why spend money.
I think the issue is the Cardinals only have one guy who can competently play 3B – which is Gorman. Wetherholt could probably get there but he is naturally suited to the keystone so no reason to move the rookie. Everyone else they have with experience at 3B isn’t a good fit or is bad at it. This gives the team a legitimate depth 3B player in case Gorman is injured or just can’t hit. This also very likely means no other outfielder will be signed (unless they are minor league depth of course).
Wow – unless Herrera and maybe Saggesse play in the OF – it’s as bad an OF (on paper) as I have ever seen.
If Roby is moved there, they would have to start paying him a major league salary for the season by rule and counting major league service time. Thompson is easier but he may be ready to go prior to the 60 day mark. I’m not sure on his timetable.
This seems like a weird signing to me. We have been waiting all winter for a veteran RH outfielder to be signed so naturally we sign a veteran RH infielder. I have nothing against Urias. He is a good depth piece but we have a plethora of infielders and are desperate for outfielders. It is a head scratcher.
Free-agent infielder Ramón Urías in agreement with Cardinals on one-year, $2M contract. Salary of $1.5M in 2026 with $500K buyout on 2027 mutual option. Deal also includes $2M in incentives based on plate appearances.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 21, 2026
Here is the answer:
In a corresponding move, RHP Zak Kent has been designated for assignment.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) February 21, 2026
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