Giants DFA Resolutions and MLBTR Chat: Key 2026 Winter Moves

The San Francisco Giants just announced they’re signing right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle. But there’s a catch—before Mahle can officially join, the Giants need to clear space on their jam-packed 40-man roster.

This is classic late-offseason roster juggling. One move can set off a domino effect across the league.

Giants Face Immediate 40-Man Roster Crunch

Right now, San Francisco’s 40-man is full. To make Mahle’s deal official, they’ll have to make a corresponding move.

The simplest route? They could designate a player for assignment (DFA) or let someone go outright.

Another option: swing a trade to free up a spot. The Dodgers recently did something similar with Esteury Ruiz, so maybe the Giants try that if they think a fringe guy has any trade value left.

Who Could Be the Odd Man Out?

This time of year, a bunch of players around the league have already been DFA’d and are stuck waiting for what’s next. For the Giants, any DFA move happens in the bigger context of how other teams are squeezing their own rosters.

Some recent examples:

  • Outfielder Joey Wiemer, who the Nationals just claimed
  • Slugger Jhonkensy Noel, now with the Orioles
  • Clearly, even recently DFA’d players can get scooped up fast if a team spots some upside.

    Former Prospects Still Waiting for Resolution

    MLB Trade Rumors points out that a few familiar names are still in limbo after being DFA’d. Not long ago, these guys looked like future cornerstones instead of roster filler.

    Still waiting for their next chapter:

  • Marco Luciano, once a can’t-miss infield prospect
  • Justyn-Henry Malloy, known for his bat and on-base skills
  • Ken Waldichuk, a lefty with flashes of real promise
  • The way these situations shake out could nudge the Giants’ own decision-making as they work to finalize Mahle’s spot.

    Offseason Landscape: More Than Halfway Home

    The MLB offseason is flying by. We’re over halfway through, both on the calendar and in terms of free-agent signings.

    About 30 of MLBTR’s Top 50 free agents have already come off the board, so the market’s getting thin.

    Still, some big names are out there, and you get the sense front offices aren’t close to done yet.

    Top Free Agents Still on the Market

    Some of the best players left unsigned include:

  • Kyle Tucker, a real impact corner outfielder
  • Alex Bregman, a proven middle-of-the-order threat
  • Bo Bichette, a shortstop who just keeps hitting
  • Framber Valdez, a starter who can headline a rotation
  • Where these guys end up could seriously shake up the league’s balance.

    Trade Market Remains Active and Unpredictable

    Free agency might be slowing, but the trade market’s buzzing. Teams are tossing around names and trying to fill holes or cut payroll.

    Lately, there’s been talk about pitchers Edward Cabrera and Freddy Peralta, plus the versatile Brendan Donovan. Any deals here could open up more roster spots—and probably create new headaches somewhere else.

    More Answers Coming Soon

    For fans trying to make sense of the roster shuffle, MLB Trade Rumors will host a live chat at 1 p.m. CT with Steve Adams. You can send in questions early or check out the transcript later.

    People are watching the Giants closely to see how they handle their roster crunch. Once they sort that out, Tyler Mahle’s signing should finally become official.

     
    Here is the source article for this story: The Opener: Giants, DFA Resolutions, MLBTR Chat

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