The Indians announced this morning in setting their 30-man roster for Opening Day that right-hander Hunter Wood has been designated for assignment. The organization needed a 40-man space to clear way for the selection of righty Dominic Leone, infielder Mike Freeman and right-hander Cam Hill.
Wood, 26, has plenty of success with the Rays in his first season-plus at the MLB level before being traded to Cleveland alongside Christian Arroyo last summer. He posted decent numbers with the Indians following the trade and carries a career 3.32 ERA and 4.04 FIP in 86 2/3 MLB frames, so it’s a bit of a surprise to see him on the outside looking in. It’s quite possible that another club with more questionable bullpen depth will have interest in swinging a deal for Wood, who has high-end spin and above-average velocity on his four-seamer. Barring that, he could generate interest on the waiver wire.
Cleveland will have a week to either trade Wood, attempt to pass him through outright waivers or release him, although it’s tough to envision the latter of the three.
Indians 2020 World Champions!!!
It only took getting rid of Wood?
That’s a surprise
Red Sox opening day starter.
another one to get Klentak
It’s doubtful Hunter Wood will make it through waivers.. good to exceptional 12/6 curve ball, but the accompanying FB is about a foot short.. Training for velo to add a little bit more on his fastball & he could be a useful ML middle reliever.. Option status is hurtful. Any offer/trade will be marginal or deeply buried in the low minors.. Who knows with the way MiLB is being treated right now.. we’ll see..
Possible target for the Red Sox? I’m assuming Chaim Bloom was a part of the front office that originally brought him in so there could be some familiarity there — and if he posts numbers similar to the ones he has the past few years, he’d actually instantly be one of their better pitchers.
I don’t like this move. Seems like there are better options
Getting David Price back?
What are you talking about? Price never played for Cleveland. I assume you’re trying to refer to Chris Archer and no that’s not what I’m implying. More like DFA Maton