Monday marked a major transaction day across Major League Baseball as teams were required to reinstate players from the 60-day injured list and make necessary roster cuts. The San Francisco Giants faced a massive roster crunch, carrying a large number of players on the 60-day injured list heading into the offseason and needing to clear multiple spots.
Roster Departures and Roster Status
The Giants announced a large wave of roster changes, confirming that Shay Whitcomb, Brett Harris, Zach Morgan, Duncan Davitt, and José Buttó were claimed by other teams. Meanwhile, Tristan Beck was released, and Joel Kuhnel along with Seth Lonsway were outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento. These initial transactions left the organization with 41 players on the 40-man roster.
To reach the required limit, the team subsequently designated 30-year-old left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin for assignment. The Colombian pitcher, in his first season with San Francisco, appeared in 24 games and registered a 4.22 ERA with 4.41 FIP, recording 16 strikeouts over 21.1 innings. Because Sanmartin was out of options and the club faced an extensive list of players to clear, his departure became inevitable.
Decisions on Rowan Wick
Alongside designating Sanmartin for assignment, the Giants declined the contract option for right-handed relief pitcher Rowan Wick. The veteran reliever, who approaches his 34th birthday, stays on the 40-man roster and becomes eligible for arbitration. Wick originally signed a one-plus-one deal a year ago while recovering from a season-ending injury, and his previous option salary was lower than what he might receive through arbitration.
The team likely plans to non-tender Wick and bring him back on a Minor League contract, enabling him to continue his rehabilitation with the medical staff during the upcoming lockout. Waiving Wick would have exposed him to claims by opposing teams, whereas non-tendering him sends him directly to free agency with the possibility of a re-signing.
With their roster trimmed down to 40 players, the Giants have brief respite before upcoming deadlines. The organization must clear additional spots by November 17 for Rule 5 draft protections and to accommodate future free agent acquisitions.
