It came as a bit of a surprise when the Blue Jays designated Danny Valencia for assignment on Saturday, but it won't come as a surprise that teams are showing interest in adding him. According to a major-league source, the White Sox, Rangers and Orioles have emerged as three of the likeliest destinations for Valencia, who is expected to be claimed off trade waivers on Monday.
Jays' general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters on Saturday that he expected Valencia to be claimed on Monday, which would then open a window in which the Jays would work to negotiate a trade involving the 30-year old. Waiver order is determined by the reverse standings in each league, so the Red Sox, Athletics, Mariners and Indians will have the chance to claim Valencia before the White Sox do. If none of those clubs put in a claim, it is expected that the White Sox would have significant interest in claiming him.
Valencia has hit .296/.331/.506 with seven homers while being especially effective against left-handers this season, but was subject to a roster crunch in Toronto that was caused by the trade deadline addition of Ben Revere. Valencia is under team control through the 2017 season and is one of the most notable and productive players to be designated for assignment in recent memory.