The Boston Red Sox designated right-hander Ryan Watson for assignment on August 4. The former Rule 5 pick will head to a new team, as the Los Angeles Angels have claimed Watson off waivers just three days later, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
This puts an official end to what was a rough tenure for the 6’5″ right-hander. Watson became expendable after the Red Sox added left-hander Erik Miller to reinforce their bullpen at the trade deadline.
In 35 appearances, he pitched to a 4.53 ERA in 55.2 innings. He pitched mostly in mop-up duty, eating up innings for the Red Sox bullpen. He recorded his first MLB win and save with Boston.
Recapping Ryan Watson’s Tenure with the Red Sox
Ryan Watson originally came up through the Baltimore Orioles‘ farm system. But the Red Sox took a flyer on the 6’5″ right-hander when Baltimore left him off the 40-man roster in November.
The club’s sudden change in fortunes this season changed the outlook for Watson in Boston. Had the team still stayed near the basement, they may have tried to keep him around for the full season to satisfy the Rule 5 Draft conditions to gain his rights.
But a historic run that included the best month in franchise history has flipped the organization’s priorities in 2026. Boston is now just five games back of the division lead and closing in on the New York Yankees for the top American League Wild Card spot. With winning and hosting postseason games now the top goal, there was no opportunity for the Red Sox to keep Watson on the roster all season.
Instead, the club elected to cut ties. As a Rule 5 pick, Watson has a slightly different DFA process than what typically happens. Had he cleared waivers, the Red Sox would have had to offer him back to the Orioles for $50K.
Considering the Angels claimed him, he didn’t last very long on the waiver wire. The 28-year-old features a six-pitch mix, with his fastball averaging 94.1 MPH.
Watson will now have a new opportunity with the Angels. They’ll have to leave him on their active roster for the rest of the season, or they’ll have to put him back on waivers.
Red Sox Reliever Claimed by Angels on Waivers After DFA