Hey Jays fans, have you ever been reading a roster update and seen terms like "DFA," "outrighted," or "waiver claim" and felt a bit lost? You're not alone. Baseball's transaction rules can feel like a whole other language. This guide is here to break down the key terms around the waiver process, helping you understand exactly how the Toronto Blue Jays front office, led by GM Ross Atkins, manages the 40-man roster and navigates player movement throughout the season.
40-Man Roster
This is the master list of players under contract with the Blue Jays who are eligible to play in MLB. It includes all 26 players on the active roster, plus up to 14 others who might be in the minors, injured, or on other lists. Protecting a player from the Rule 5 Draft often means adding them here.
Active Roster (26-Man Roster)
This is the group of players, including stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, who are eligible to play in each game. They travel with the team, suit up at the Rogers Centre, and are the core you see on the field every day.
Designated for Assignment (DFA)
A procedural move that removes a player from the 40-man roster. The club then has seven days to either trade the player, place him on waivers, or release him. It's often the first step when the Jays need to make room for a new acquisition. You can read more about the specifics in our guide to the Blue Jays Designated for Assignment Process.
Waivers
A confidential process where other MLB teams can claim the right to a player's contract. Players are often placed on waivers after being DFA'd, but they can also be placed on "outright" or "trade assignment" waivers in certain situations.
Waiver Claim
When a team selects a player off waivers. If multiple teams claim the same player, priority goes to the team with the worst record in the same league (like the AL East), then the worst record in the other league.
Revocable Waivers (Trade Waivers)
A now-defunct type of waiver used before August 31st for potential trades, eliminated after the 2019 season. It's good for historical context but no longer in use.
Irrevocable Waivers
The standard waivers used today for players who are Designated for Assignment. If a player is claimed, his original team cannot "revoke" or pull him back; the contract is transferred.
Outright Assignment
If a player clears waivers (goes unclaimed), he can be "outrighted" to the minor leagues without occupying a spot on the 40-man roster. Players with a certain amount of MLB service time can refuse this assignment and become free agents.
Release (Outright Release)
If a player clears waivers and is not assigned to the minors, he is released from his contract and becomes an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any club.
Waiver Wire
The unofficial term for the list of players currently available via the waiver claim process. Front offices constantly monitor this for potential depth additions.
Waiver Period
The standard period for waivers is two business days. This is the window during which other teams can submit a claim on a player.
Waiver Priority
The order in which teams get to claim players. It is based on the reverse order of the current season's standings, making it a potential advantage for struggling teams.
Trade Deadline
July 30th is the hard deadline for making trades without waivers. After this date, any player traded must first clear waivers, which complicates most major deals.
Postseason Eligibility Deadline
August 31st at 11:59 PM ET. A player must be on a team's 40-man roster (or on the Injured List) by this time to be eligible for that team's postseason roster, such as a World Series run.
Optional Assignment
When a player on the 40-man roster is sent to the minor leagues. Players have a limited number of "options," meaning they can be moved up and down freely for a full season each time.
Out of Options
A player who has used all three of his option years can no longer be sent to the minors without first being exposed to waivers. This puts pressure on the Blue Jays to keep him on the active roster or risk losing him.
Injured List (IL)
The list for players who are injured and unable to play. Placing a key player like George Springer or Kevin Gausman on the IL opens up an immediate spot on the active roster, though not the 40-man.
60-Day Injured List
A special list for players with long-term injuries. While on the 60-day IL, a player does not count against the 40-man roster, which is crucial for creating flexibility.
7-Day Injured List (Concussion IL)
Specifically for players with concussions or other neurological symptoms. It allows for a shorter evaluation period than the standard 10-day IL.
Paternity List
A short-term, 1-3 day leave for players welcoming a new child. It's a temporary roster exemption that allows a team to call up a replacement player.
Bereavement List
A 3-7 day leave for players dealing with a death in the family or other serious personal matter. Like the paternity list, it allows for a temporary roster replacement.
Recall
The act of promoting a player from the minor leagues back to the active MLB roster. For example, the Jays might recall a pitcher to bolster the bullpen behind Jordan Romano.
Optioned
The act of sending a player from the active roster down to the minor leagues. This uses one of his option years. A player like Yusei Kikuchi cannot be optioned unless he consents because he has over five years of service time.
Player to be Named Later (PTBNL)
A placeholder in a trade where one team will receive a specified player at a later date, usually from a pre-agreed list. This allows deals to be finalized quickly around the deadline.
Cash Considerations
A small amount of money (usually under $1 million) sent from one team to another to finalize a trade imbalance. It's a common way to sweeten a minor deal.
Understanding these terms gives you a clearer picture of the chess game Manager John Schneider and the front office play all season long. From protecting assets to finding hidden gems on the waiver wire, every move is about building the deepest possible team to compete in the tough AL East and chase that ultimate MLB championship. Keep this glossary handy as you follow our latest roster updates and analyze the projected starting rotation throughout the year!
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