Athletics designate Aaron Civale for assignment
The Athletics announced that pitcher Aaron Civale has been designated for assignment, removing him from the club’s 40-man roster for now. At 31, Civale enters DFA limbo and will either clear waivers or be claimed by another team. The most likely path is for the Athletics to outright him to the minors, after which Civale could elect free agency and sign with any club.
Civale’s time with the Cubs was brief but noteworthy. He joined the Cubs for a portion of the 2025 season, signing a one-year contract worth $6 million with the Athletics in the offseason. That year, Civale posted a 5.42 ERA across 15 starts and a little over 74 innings. He struggled in West Sacramento’s hitter-friendly environment, with a 5.34 FIP suggesting the issue wasn’t purely unlucky outcomes.
Civale’s stint with the Cubs in 2025 included 13 innings of work, during which he allowed three earned runs and recorded 14 strikeouts. Over his 102 innings that season, he posted a 3.86 ERA, illustrating that he can be effective in the right circumstances.
Prospects for Civale this season
Analysts have noted Civale’s career arc as a dependable, mid-rotation starter who has bounced between organizations in recent years. His repertoire and results have varied depending on park factors and role. If he clear waivers and hits free agency, there should be interest from teams seeking pitching depth at or near the back of the rotation, particularly in markets more favorable to pitchers.
Possible future for Civale could include a return to Chicago in a potential reunion scenario, given his prior success with the organization. A return to a team that knows how to utilize his skill set could provide Civale with a fresh opportunity to reestablish himself as a valuable major league option.
Looking ahead
As the All-Star break concludes and clubs prepare for the stretch run, roster adjustments will continue to unfold across the league. Civale’s designation is one example of how teams reassess their 40-man rosters in preparation for a busy trade and free-agent period. For Civale, the next steps will depend on whether he passes through waivers unclaimed or lands with a new club via free agency, potentially revitalizing his major league role with a pitcher-friendly environment.
