Giants DFA 9-Year Veteran

The San Franciso Giants have officially announced the signing of high-leverage reliever Taylor Rogers, and to clear a roster spot, they've designated nine-year veteran Tommy La Stella for assignment. 

The Giants DFA’d Tommy La Stella to clear a roster spot for Taylor Rogers.

— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) December 28, 2022

After a couple of successful seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland A's, La Stella signed a 3-year, $18.75M contract with the Giants in 2021, and still has a year left on the deal. But because his deal was heavily backloaded, he's still set to earn $11M in 2023. Unless the Giants can trade him within the next week—doubtful because of that salary—they'll be forced to waive him and eat that $11 mill. 

In his two years in The Bay, he struggled with health problems, and batted .245 with a .677 OPS and a disappointing OPS+ of 86 in 400 at-bats. He played a little second base, and a little third. 

Going into his age-34 season, he'll undoubtedly be a free agent once again. 

PHOTO: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports