Teams looking for reinforcements can turn to the waiver wire as Opening Day approaches. Each club faces tough roster decisions at the end of Spring Training, and talented out of options players are sometimes available on waivers as teams try to sneak them through to the minor leagues.
The Braves (three open spots), Angels (one open spot), Phillies (one open spot), Nationals (one open spot), Cardinals (one open spot) and Giants (one open spot) are the MLB teams that presently have open 40-man spots, according to MLBDepthCharts.com. These clubs are well-positioned to claim someone should an intriguing player be placed on waivers. They could also offer free agents Major League deals without having to cut another player (if they have enough money and projected 25-man roster space).
The Braves are known to be seeking a left-handed bench bat, and could consider options on waivers in the next month or so. The Nationals could be looking for left-handed relief, depending on how their internal options perform this spring.
Keep in mind that many of the 24 teams with full 40-man rosters will create roster space by moving a player to the 60-day disabled list or by releasing, outrighting or designating for assignment a rostered player. For context, eight players were claimed on waivers during the week leading up to Opening Day in 2012.
