Once a player is placed on outright release waivers, it is irrevocable. Gonzalez could be claimed by other teams in the next 48 hours, but they would be on the hook for paying the remainder of his $5.1 million 2016 salary. If he is not claimed, Gonzalez would be released and become a free agent. Either way, the O's will save roughly 75 percent of Gonzalez's contract
The surprising move leaves the O's rotation battle between Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright. The team didn't receive much trade interest in Gonzalez this spring, and his poor Grapefruit League campaign didn't help matters.