MLB transactions can get pretty complex. Service time, options, waivers (a few different types, DFA’s, arbitration (a few different types), qualifying offers, outrights, two different trade deadlines, disabled list (different types), roster (active, 40 man), drafts (different types, posting system, veterans consent, free agency, it goes on. It’s perhaps the toughest sport to understand in terms of roster rules and player statuses. Puckett’s Pond is here to help cut through the confusion of the perplexing world of MLB transactions.
Even experienced MLB executives can’t keep it all straight. In 2014, Alex Anthopolous, recently named Executive of the Year, lost Marcus Walden (who is now in the Twins’ system) for no good reason in a botched waiver transaction.