The Major League Baseball offseason continues to be a period of flux for several players, with former prospects finding themselves navigating the waiver wire and vying for roster spots. Two players caught in this whirlwind are infielder/outfielder Marco Luciano and infielder Tsung-Che Cheng, both of whom have experienced a rapid series of transactions in recent months.
Luciano’s journey began with a fall from grace with the San Francisco Giants, ultimately leading to a month-long process of being claimed and designated for assignment by multiple teams. He finally landed with the New York Yankees, securing a spot in their Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate and an invitation to big-league camp. Despite not living up to his initial promise as a consensus top-10 prospect, the Yankees saw enough potential to take a chance on the 24-year-old, who still possesses notable power.
The Yankees’ acquisition of Luciano came after claims from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles. The Pirates initially claimed Luciano off waivers in December but designated him for assignment shortly after, alongside Cheng, as a consequence of a three-team deal that brought in Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery, and Jake Mangum. This highlights how roster moves can have ripple effects, impacting players who may not be directly involved in the initial transaction.
Luciano’s minor league statistics reveal a player with potential but inconsistency. In 125 games with Triple-A Sacramento in 2025, he batted .214 with 23 home runs and 66 RBIs. Over 500 minor league games, he has a career slash line of .246/.355/.445. While his big league numbers with the Giants (.217 average, .590 OPS in 41 games across 2023 and 2024) were underwhelming, the Yankees are hoping to unlock his potential, a strategy they’ve successfully employed with other once-discarded talents.
Cheng’s Continued Carousel
While Luciano’s journey has temporarily stabilized, Tsung-Che Cheng’s situation remains unsettled. On Friday, February 6, 2026, Cheng was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox, marking the latest chapter in a remarkably turbulent offseason. In a span of roughly a month, Cheng has been claimed by and subsequently dropped from the Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Washington Nationals, and now the Red Sox.
Cheng’s profile presents a mix of appealing attributes and areas for improvement. He is known for his plus running speed and defensive versatility, capable of playing multiple infield positions. However, his offensive production has been a concern. He posted a .207/.305/.267 batting line in Triple-A last season, and his seven hitless plate appearances with the Pirates in the majors did little to dispel doubts about his readiness for consistent big-league action.
The Red Sox’s acquisition of Cheng adds another layer of complexity to their roster situation. The team’s 40-man roster is currently full, and they still need to create space for recently-signed former Pirate Isiah Kiner-Falefa. This suggests that Cheng’s stay with Boston could be brief, as players with limited immediate impact are often the first to be moved when roster spots become scarce, particularly as veteran players arrive during spring training.
The contrasting paths of Luciano and Cheng underscore the unpredictable nature of the MLB offseason and the challenges faced by players on the fringes of major league rosters. Luciano’s landing with the Yankees offers a potential opportunity for a fresh start, while Cheng’s continued movement through the waiver system highlights the precariousness of his situation. Both players represent the inherent risk and reward involved in evaluating and acquiring talent in professional baseball.
The Yankees’ decision to outright Luciano to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he cleared waivers further illustrates the team’s roster maneuvering. This move, announced on February 7, 2026, allows the Yankees to maintain flexibility as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season, particularly with the pending formal announcement of Cody Bellinger’s five-year, $162.5 million contract.
