Waldichuk, 28 in January, was once a standout player for the Yankees. He was switched to the A’s as part of the 2022 deadline shipment Frankie Montas And Lou Trivino to the Bronx. Waldichuk had a somewhat encouraging debut with the A’s in 2022, making seven starts with a 4.93 earned run average, 22.6% strikeout rate and 6.8% walk rate.
His results were backed up in 2023 with a 5.36 ERA in 141 innings. He hasn’t pitched in the Majors since, after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2024. In July of this year, he was activated from the injured list and assigned to the minors. He posted an 8.17 ERA in his minor league appearances in 2025, walking 15.9% of batters faced. He qualified for arbitration at the end of the season as a Super Two player. He and the A’s avoided arbitration by agreeing to a salary of $825,000 next year, slightly above the league minimum of $780,000.
DFA limbo normally lasts a week, but that clock is paused between Christmas and New Year’s. The A’s will have some time to trade Waldichuk or put him on waivers. This year’s results weren’t great, but he might see better numbers as he gets further away from his surgery. He still has a number of options, so he could appeal to clubs looking for pitching depth and a roster spot for a reclamation project.
If he goes unclaimed on waivers, he wouldn’t have the right to choose free agency since he doesn’t have three years of service and no prior career. If that happens, the A’s can try to get him back on track without him taking up a roster spot.
Photo courtesy of Kiyoshi Mio, Imagn Images
#Athletics #appoints #Ken #Waldichuk #assignment