The Oakland Athletics made a notable roster move this week. They designated left-hander Ken Waldichuk for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for newly acquired utility man Jeff McNeil.
This decision highlights the club’s shifting priorities and the tough reality for pitchers returning from elbow surgery. Waldichuk now finds himself shifting from once-hyped prospect to a potential rebound project on the edge of a big league staff.
Why the A’s Chose Jeff McNeil Over Ken Waldichuk
In today’s game, versatility and contact skills often win out over long-term pitching upside, especially for a rebuilding team searching for stability. By cutting Waldichuk from the roster, the A’s showed just how much they value McNeil’s profile heading into next season.
McNeil’s Fit on Oakland’s Roster
McNeil arrives as an infielder and outfielder with a proven big league track record. He can cover multiple spots defensively.
His game revolves around contact, on-base skills, and flexibility—traits that can help stabilize a young, inconsistent lineup. For an Oakland club still figuring itself out, adding a player who can move around the diamond and lengthen the lineup brings real value.
That value, though, came at a cost. Waldichuk became the roster casualty.
From Yankees Prospect to A’s Question Mark
Waldichuk’s journey to this point hasn’t been boring. Once an intriguing young arm in the Yankees’ system, he landed in Oakland as a key piece in a headline trade and looked like a future rotation building block.
The Trade That Brought Waldichuk to Oakland
In 2022, the A’s sent Frankie Montas and Lou Trivino to the Yankees at the trade deadline, choosing a prospect-heavy return. Waldichuk, then a well-regarded lefty starter with strikeout stuff, was a central part of that deal and immediately slotted into Oakland’s long-term plans.
He flashed that potential right away. In his 2022 debut with the A’s, Waldichuk posted a 4.93 ERA over seven starts, but the underlying ingredients—solid strikeout and walk rates—hinted at a pitcher who might grow into a mid-rotation arm with time.
Regression, Injury, and the Long Road Back
The expected step forward never came. Waldichuk’s development stalled, and the mix of performance issues and injury changed his path dramatically.
Struggles in 2023 and Tommy John Surgery
In 2023, the lefty took on a full workload, throwing 141 innings but posting a 5.36 ERA. Command wavered, consistency disappeared, and what could’ve been a breakout season turned into a long, grinding year of damage control.
The real blow landed in May 2024, when Waldichuk underwent Tommy John surgery. That procedure took him out of the big league picture and reset his timeline, as it does for many pitchers who rely on arm strength and feel for secondary pitches.
Rough Numbers in the Minors After Surgery
Activated from the injured list in July 2025, Waldichuk returned to the mound in the minors. His performances showed just how long the road back can be.
He labored to an 8.17 ERA with a 15.9% walk rate. Those numbers speak to a pitcher still searching for mechanics, timing, and confidence after surgery.
For a club with limited roster spots, those struggles made it tough to justify his place on the 40-man, especially with an established big leaguer like McNeil coming in.
The Arbitration Twist and DFA Logistics
There’s also a financial wrinkle here. Despite his recent struggles, Waldichuk reached arbitration earlier than most players.
Super Two Status and the DFA Clock
Waldichuk qualified as a Super Two player, which gave him early access to arbitration. He and the A’s agreed to an $825,000 salary for next season—modest by league standards, but still above the minimum for a pitcher who hasn’t contributed at the major league level since 2023.
When Oakland designated him for assignment, the usual one-week DFA window started. That clock pauses between Christmas and New Year’s, which gives the A’s a little extra time to gauge trade interest or see if another club wants to put in a waiver claim.
What Comes Next for Ken Waldichuk?
Despite the tough numbers, Waldichuk probably won’t be dismissed entirely by pitching-needy organizations. Lefties with prospect pedigree and swing-and-miss ability tend to get second—and sometimes third—chances, especially when they’re just coming back from Tommy John surgery.
Rebound Candidate or Depth Piece?
Some front offices might view Waldichuk as a potential rebound candidate. He’s a low-risk pickup who could regain form as he gets further from surgery and sharpens his command.
His minor league options help too, giving teams some roster wiggle room if they want to take a shot.
If he clears waivers, Waldichuk won’t be able to elect free agency. He’d stick with the A’s as non-roster pitching depth and probably start 2026 in Triple-A, hoping for another shot.
Here is the source article for this story: Athletics Designate Ken Waldichuk For Assignment
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