Surprisingly placed on waivers, where will these players suit up next?

In a surprising turn of events on Tuesday, it was announced that the Los Angeles Angels would be placing six players on waivers including three players just acquired at the trade deadline. 

All due to become free agents after the season, the Angels can potentially save up to $7M if they are all picked up by other teams.

With the waiver order going from worst to first, teams pushing to make the playoffs will get the first shot at claiming them before their competition does. 

Lucas Giolito, starting pitcher: 7-11, 4.45 ERA, 165 SO, 153.2 IP

Best fit: Cincinnati Reds

With a team ERA of 5.22 over the last 30 days, the Cincinnati Reds have watched a problem they didn't fix at the trade deadline potentially derail their chances at the playoffs. Giolito isn't going to turn things around on his own, but having a pitcher like him in the clubhouse could be just what the Reds need as they desperately continue to search for starting pitching. 

Other potential suitors: Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox

Reynaldo Lopez, relief pitcher: 2-7, 3.86 ERA, 71 SO, 53.2 IP

Best fit: Miami Marlins

After watching relief pitcher David Robertson fail after being acquired at the trade deadline, the Marlins are in need of someone to close games out or at least bridge the gap to the end, and that is something Lopez should be able to help with.

Other potential suitors: Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins

Matt Moore, relief pitcher: 3-1, 2.30 ERA, 47 SO, 43 IP

Best fit: Texas Rangers

With a bullpen that has more blown saves than saves in 2023, the Texas Rangers need to figure things out fast before they watch their playoff hopes slip through their fingers at the end of the season. After spending 2022 as a member of the Rangers, Moore resurrected his career and could help do the same to their playoff hopes if acquired.

Other potential suitors: Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox

Randal Grichuk, outfielder: .267/.322/.454, 37 XBH, 35 RBI

Best fit: San Francisco Giants

Despite being in playoff contention, the Giants have had some of the worst offensive production in baseball over the last 30 days with a team OPS of .643 and only scoring 96 runs during that time. Girchuk would add an experienced bat to a Giants lineup struggling to score runs and that is familiar with the National League West. 

Other potential suitors: Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners

Hunter Renfroe, outfielder: .237/.300/.422, 48 XBH, 52 RBI

Best fit: Milwaukee Brewers

Acquired from the Brewers this past offseason for three minor leaguers, Renfroe has experienced a slight dip in his home run numbers in 2023 for the Angels. With the Brewers struggling to get production out of the right field position since he was traded, a reunion between the National League Central leaders and Renfroe could be a big boost for both parties. 

Other potential suitors: Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers