MLP Final Waiver Wire: The MLP final waiver wire period is fast approaching, scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd, and Thursday, October 3rd. Initially, a fourth waiver period was expected after the Miami event. However, upon review, it was deemed unnecessary for teams in the playoffs to make last-minute roster adjustments. As a result, this period will mark the third and final waiver opportunity for the 2024 season.
Following a very active trade deadline on September 29th, where many teams made significant moves, this final waiver period might be relatively quiet. With the season nearing its conclusion, top Challenger and Premier teams are less likely to shift their rosters unless injuries or performance issues force their hand.
Waiver Wire Process
For both Premier and Challenger levels, the waiver wire will operate on a strict timeline, with each team given a maximum of 15 minutes to make selections. The Premier level will kick off on Wednesday, followed by the Challenger level on Thursday. Teams are allowed two rounds of waivers, and the order of selection is predefined.
Premier Level Order
- Utah Black Diamonds
- Columbus Sliders
- Arizona
- Orlando Squeeze
- Los Angeles Mad Drops
- Carolina
- New York
- D.C.
- Texas
- Dallas
- St. Louis
- New Jersey
Challenger Level Order
- California Black Bears
- Frisco
- Florida
- Las Vegas
- Brooklyn
- Bay Area
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- SoCal
- Miami
Best Available Players
As teams make final roster adjustments, some notable free agents are available for selection, particularly in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Men:
- Anderson Scarpa: A key player for the Las Vegas Night Owls this season.
- Mo Alhouni: Another Las Vegas Night Owls regular.
- Patrick Kawka: Played for Bay Area and was dropped after the first event.
- Roscoe Bellamy: Dropped from Miami’s roster after the first two events.
- Yates Johnson: Played for Florida Smash but was later released.
- AJ Koller: Recently competed for AZ Drive in the Mid-Season Tournament.
Women:
- Genie Erokhina: A standout for Atlanta Bouncers and California Black Bears, soon to be dropped by Utah.
- Rachel Rettger: Former Bay Area player who was dropped after the first event.
- Christine Maddox: Played for SoCal Hard Eights but was dropped after two events.
- Liz Truluck: Known for strong performances in doubles and singles, currently with MLP Australia.
Teams Eyeing Roster Changes
While many teams are likely to stand pat during this final waiver period, a few Premier and Challenger level squads might make last-minute adjustments to better position themselves for upcoming events.
Premier Level
- Columbus Sliders: With Jay Devilliers out for the season, the Sliders face a dilemma. They have the option to bring in a Challenger-level player on loan or use the waiver wire to fill the gap. Prediction: Columbus picks up AJ Koller.
- LA Mad Drops: Thomas Wilson’s health remains a question, and with 11 crucial matches left, LA may need to find a replacement. Prediction: LA signs Yates Johnson.
- Utah Black Diamonds: Out of playoff contention, Utah looks to replace Genie Erokhina and bring in fresh talent. Prediction: Utah picks Rachel Rettger or Genie Bouchard.
Challenger Level
- California Black Bears: With three matches left, California may pick up a fresh face. Prediction: Grayson Goldin joins for the final event.
- Frisco Pandas: With John Cincola’s status uncertain, Frisco could make a move, though they might retain him for 2025. Prediction: Frisco keeps John Cincola.
- Florida Smash: Despite being close to playoff contention, the Smash may look to boost their Dreambreaker performance. Prediction: Florida Smash signs Genie Erokhina.
As the final waiver wire approaches, most teams are content with their current rosters, given the limited number of matches left. However, a few teams with injury issues or underperformance may use this last opportunity to strengthen their squads. For Premier and Challenger level teams alike, the decisions made in this final waiver period could be pivotal as they approach the season’s end.
News in Brief: MLP Final Waiver Wire
The final Major League Pickleball waiver wire period is set for October 2nd and 3rd. With the season nearing its conclusion, most teams in Premier and Challenger levels are unlikely to make major changes. Teams like Columbus Sliders, LA Mad Drops, and Utah Black Diamonds may tweak their rosters due to injuries or underperformance. Key free agents like AJ Koller, Genie Erokhina, and Yates Johnson are expected to be picked up. While the top teams remain stable, these last-minute moves could significantly impact teams aiming for the playoffs.
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