For any professional athlete, the term “designated for assignment” (DFA) is a dreaded one. For a baseball player, it can mean the end of their career. In this article, we’ll explain what it means to be designated for assignment, why a player may be assigned, and what their options are moving forward.
What Does Designated for Assignment Mean?
Designated for assignment (DFA) is a phrase used in Major League Baseball (MLB) to describe the process by which a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor performance, a lack of playing time, or when a team needs to make room for a new player.
When a player is designated for assignment, their team has 10 days to trade them, release them, or send them to the minor leagues. If they are not traded or released within 10 days, they are automatically sent to the minor leagues.
Why Would a Player be Designated for Assignment?
There are a few reasons why a team may decide to designate a player for assignment.
Poor Performance: One of the most common reasons a player may be designated for assignment is due to poor performance. Teams want to keep players who can help them win games, and if a player is not producing, they may decide to remove them from their roster.
Lack of Playing Time: The other common reason for a DFA is a lack of playing time. This happens when a player is not getting enough playing time to remain on the team. This is often the case when a team has too many players at a certain position or when a player is out of minor league options.
Making Room for a New Player: Teams may also designate a player for assignment when they need to make room for a new player. This often happens when a team is signing a free agent or making a trade.
What Are the Options for a Player Who is Designated for Assignment?
When a player is designated for assignment, they have a few different options.
Traded: The first option is that they can be traded to another team. This is the most common option, as it allows a team to get something in return for the player they are removing from their roster.
Released: The second option is that they can be released by their team. If a team releases a player, they are no longer bound by their contract and are free to sign with any team they choose.
Sent to the Minor Leagues: The third option is that they can be sent to the minor leagues. This is the least desirable option for a player, as it means that they are not playing in the majors and are not making as much money.
Conclusion
Designated for assignment is a phrase used in Major League Baseball to describe the process by which a team removes a player from its 40-man roster. There are a few reasons why a team may decide to designate a player for assignment, including poor performance, lack of playing time, or making room for a new player. When a player is designated for assignment, they have a few different options, including being traded, released, or sent to the minor leagues.