2026 Transactions: Braves Claim Waldichuk, White Sox Claim Romo

Most of the news on January 8 revolved around the arbitration exchange deadline and who did and didn’t re-up with the team. However, there was additional action on the day. The Braves, who have been busy throughout the winter and added — and DFA’d — several recently-acquired pitchers, picked up another lottery ticket: Ken Waldichuk.

Waldichuk to Braves

The Braves claimed left-hander Ken Waldichuk. Waldichuk, who turned 28 years of age on January 8, was designated for assignment last month by the Athletics.

Waldichuk was one of four players who went to the then-Oakland Athletics in 2022, as part of the Frankie Montas trade. The left-hander raised his stock that year after a strong Minor League season and pitched fine overall, as he struck out 33 over 34 frames.

He was roughed up in the 2023 season and missed all of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Waldichuk, who sat as high as 95 MPH but low as 87 MPH with his fastball — his mostly at 91-93 MPH — during the Triple-A season, walked 42 batters over 51 innings. He struck out 64 batters for Las Vegas.

Vidal Brujan was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

White Sox grab catcher

The White Sox picked up catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the Mets. He joins a 40-man roster that currently includes young catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero.

Romo, who started the offseason with the Rockies, is on his fourth team of the winter. Baltimore claimed him in early December but DFA’d him shortly thereafter. The Mets claimed him two weeks later.

In a corresponding move, the White Sox designated Ben Cowles for assignment.

Other moves

The Mets outrighted outfielder Ji Hwan Bae to Triple-A Syracuse.

Colorado signed infielder Jack O’Dowd to a Minor League deal. O’Dowd, who played collegiately at the University of Texas, hit .333/.449/.642 with 22 home runs and 53 extra-base hits with Billings of the Pioneer League. His father, Dan, was formerly the general manager of the Rockies.