Minnesota Twins place Justin Morneau on waivers

Most players are placed on waivers once the Major League trade deadline passes, but it’s usually nothing more than protocol.

However, in the case of a few players, like Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins, it’s done with purpose.

In the final year of a 6 year, $80 million dollar contract, the Twins placed Morneau on revocable waivers this morning.

Per Mike Berardino:

"Source tells me Justin Morneau was placed on waivers Monday. 48-hour waiver period expires noon central on Wednesday."

There’s no doubt Morneau will be claimed, it’s just a matter of by whom.

The waiver process allows teams in the respective league (in this case the American League) to place a claim on the player with the worst team (record wise) being given first opportunity. If no team in the respective league places a claim, the process will repeat itself in the opposing league. Once a team claims the player, they will have 48 hours to work out a trade. If no trade is agreed upon, the player returns to his current team.

So while teams like the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics may have interest in the longtime Twins first baseman, it’s questionable if he’ll be available by the time they’d be allowed to place a claim.

Morneau is hitting .262 with 14 home runs and 67 RBI this season.