Giants lose Chadwick Tromp on waivers, outright Reyes Moronta

While the San Francisco Giants were playing a pivotal weekend series, they were also making a few moves that flew under the radar. Most notably, catcher Chadwick Tromp was designated for assignment.

It seemed likely that Tromp would clear waivers and get reassigned, but we should have known better. We should have known all along that he’d be claimed by the Atlanta Braves, who hoard former Giants like a ‘90s kid with Beanie Babies.

The Braves already have five former Giants on their active roster: Will Smith, Drew Smyly, Stephen Vogt, Ehire Adrianza, and Adam Duvall. And Pablo Sandoval was there earlier in the year, too. They sure do like those former Giants.

And so we say goodbye to Tromp, who was one of the feel-good stories of the 2020 season. After Buster Posey opted out of the pandemic-shortened year, and the Giants other catcher options all struggled, Tromp was given a chance to make his MLB debut. He only hit .213/.219/.426, but had his fair share of big moments while spending much of the year on the roster.

He was kept on the 40-man roster this season, and was on the active roster a few times, appearing in nine games and hitting 4-18 with a home run.

Best of luck in Atlanta, Chadwick.

While losing Tromp is the more notable of the moves that happened, the other move is more surprising: right-handed pitcher Reyes Moronta cleared waivers, and has been outrighted to AAA Sacramento.

Moronta being placed on waivers seemed to fly entirely under the radar, and isn’t listed on the team’s transactions page. And it highlights just how rough of a season it has been for someone who was once considered the closer of the future.

The 28 year old missed the end of 2019 and all of 2020 with an arm injury, but made the Opening Day roster this year. He pitched in only four innings before returning to the Injured List. Since getting healthy though, Moronta has struggled, especially with keeping the ball in the strike zone. In 14.2 innings with Sacramento, Moronta has allowed 13 hits, a brutal 18 walks, and 13 earned runs, with 13 strikeouts.

Hopefully he’s able to fix what’s ailing him this offseason and be a contributor in 2022.

With the moves, the Giants now have one open spot on the 40-man roster. It could go to a depth pitcher who appeared earlier in the season, like Tyler Chatwood or Scott Kazmir. Or it could be held onto for suspended pitcher Gregory Santos, who will need to be added back to the 40-man roster before the season ends.