Context:

Lou Trivino, a former reliever for the New York Yankees, has elected to become a free agent after the team declined a $5 million option due to his persistent shoulder issues and underwhelming performance with the San Francisco Giants. Trivino, who joined the Yankees in 2022, was unable to play for the past two seasons because of injuries, despite hopes of contributing to the Yankees' playoff pursuits. His performance with the Giants this year was hampered by a 5.84 ERA over just 12.1 innings, which was further complicated by a shutdown in his rehab assignment due to shoulder discomfort. With six major league seasons to his name, Trivino is seeking a new opportunity, potentially on a minor league contract, as he aims to regain his form and contribute to another team's playoff run. His move to free agency gives him greater control over the next phase of his career as he looks for a team that can benefit from his experience and skill set.

Dive Deeper:

• Lou Trivino, formerly with the New York Yankees, became a free agent after the team declined a $5 million option due to ongoing shoulder problems and a less-than-stellar performance with the San Francisco Giants.

• Trivino had joined the Yankees in 2022, achieving 22 strikeouts in 21.2 innings before spending the entire 2023 and 2024 seasons on the injured list, which prevented him from aiding in the Yankees' playoff efforts.

• While pitching for the Giants, Trivino struggled to find his past form, recording a high 5.84 ERA in just 12.1 innings, and his rehabilitation process was halted by shoulder discomfort.

• Despite his injuries, Trivino has completed six seasons in major league baseball, and his experience may still make him a valuable asset for teams looking for seasoned players for playoff runs.

• As a free agent, Trivino has more control over his next career steps, potentially opting for a minor league deal in pursuit of more playing time and a chance to prove his value to interested teams.

• The New York Yankees moved on from several veteran plays after their World Series run last year.

• In addition to Juan Soto leaving for the New York Mets, long-time Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and reliever Clay Holmes all left after becoming free agents as well. 

• And now, another member of that 2024 team who parted ways with the Yankees, has made a major career decision.

• “Lou Trivino has cleared waivers and elected free agency,” per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. “From what we saw here I suspect he could help some teams.”

• Trivino joined the Yankees in 2022, racking up 22 strikeouts in 21.2 innings, and then spent the 2023 and 2024 campaigns on the injured list. He was hopeful about contributing to the Yankees’ playoff run last year, but was unable to recover in time.

• Pitching for the San Francisco Giants this year, it seemed he’s having trouble recapturing his form, as he was hit for a 5.84 ERA in just 12.1 innings.

• “Shoulder discomfort shut down his rehab assignment, though, and the Yankees made the easy call to decline a $5MM option,” per MLB Trade Rumors. “While it’s conceivable that he could find an immediate MLB roster spot as a free agent, he might wind up taking another minor league deal as he searches for a more extended opportunity.”

• With six big-league seasons under his belt, it’s possible the veteran reliever will still have his chance to contribute to a deep playoff run this season. After his decision to become a free agent, he’ll have a little more control over what route his career goes next.

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