Perdomo Acquired: The A's added LHP Angel Perdomo, 30, who missed the 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He showed promise with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023 (3.72 ERA, 37.6% K-rate in 29 innings) after struggling earlier in his career with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ruiz Designated: OF Esteury Ruiz, 26, known for his blazing speed, was removed from the 40-man roster. He set an AL rookie record with 67 stolen bases in 2023 but struggled offensively (.254/.309/.345) and defensively. He played sparingly in 2024 due to performance and injuries, hitting .200 in 29 games.
Trade Context: Ruiz was the main piece the A's received in the three-team trade that sent catcher Sean Murphy to Atlanta and brought All-Star catcher William Contreras to Milwaukee. The trade is now widely viewed as a major success for the Brewers, while the A's return has underperformed.
Why this matters: These moves highlight the volatility of player value and the challenges teams face in player evaluation and development. For the A's, it's another adjustment as they seek effective roster pieces. For Ruiz, it marks a significant downturn after a record-setting rookie campaign, making his future uncertain. Perdomo gets another chance to establish himself post-surgery.
The Oakland Athletics' decision to claim Angel Perdomo while designating Esteury Ruiz for assignment points to a shift in team needs and player valuations.
Perdomo's journey back to the majors has been complex. After posting a high ERA with the Brewers (2020-21), he reinvented himself with the Pirates in 2023, showcasing impressive strikeout ability before succumbing to elbow surgery. He bounced from the Pirates to the Braves, then the Angels, and now lands with the A's, who hope he can recapture his 2023 form and bolster their bullpen from the left side once fully healthy. His 2025 spring training saw mixed results (1.80 ERA but high walk rate).
Esteury Ruiz's situation is more stark. Acquired as a key prospect in the significant Sean Murphy/William Contreras trade, hopes were high. His 67 stolen bases in 2023 were electrifying, setting an AL rookie record. However, his inability to consistently get on base (.309 OBP in 2023, .270 in limited 2024 action) and subpar defense limited his overall value (-1.0 career WAR). With other outfielders like Lawrence Butler and JJ Bleday emerging, and a poor 2025 spring training showing (.121 BA), the A's opted to move on. Ruiz now faces waivers, where his elite speed might attract interest from teams needing a baserunning specialist, though his hitting remains a major question mark. The A's will have a week to trade him or place him on waivers.
Q: Why did the A's DFA Esteury Ruiz after his record-setting stolen base season?
A: Despite his speed, Ruiz struggled significantly with getting on base and hitting for average/power, coupled with defensive limitations. The A's likely felt his overall contribution didn't warrant a 40-man roster spot, especially with other outfielders performing better.
Q: What are the expectations for Angel Perdomo?
A: The A's hope Perdomo can recover fully from Tommy John surgery and replicate his effective 2023 performance with the Pirates, providing a valuable left-handed arm in their bullpen. His high strikeout potential is appealing if he can control his walks.
Q: What happens to Esteury Ruiz now?
A: The A's have one week to trade Ruiz. If no trade occurs, he will be placed on waivers. Another MLB team can claim him for their 40-man roster. If he clears waivers, the A's can outright him to the minor leagues.
Player Value Fluctuates: This situation shows how quickly a player's stock can change in professional sports based on performance, health, and team needs.
Trades Revisited: The long-term impact of trades often takes years to fully assess. The Murphy/Contreras/Ruiz deal looks very different now than it did initially.
Speed Isn't Everything: While elite speed is a valuable tool, it's less impactful if a player can't consistently reach base.
What's next for Esteury Ruiz? Can Angel Perdomo become a key reliever for the A's? Let us know your thoughts!
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ESPN: A's claim lefty Perdomo off waivers, DFA Ruiz target="_blank"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Athletics drop Esteury Ruiz, player acquired in Brewers' William Contreras trade target="_blank"
MLB Trade Rumors: Athletics Claim Angel Perdomo, Designate Esteury Ruiz For Assignment target="_blank"
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