Cotton signed a contract with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball in late January.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton was an effective starter for a brief stretch with the Athletics to close the 2016 season, but arm injuries derailed his chances to remain a regular member of a big-league rotation. He managed to rebound to put up decent numbers as a reliever in recent campaigns, including maintaining a 3.56 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 43 innings with the Twins and Giants in 2022. It's unclear what his role will be with the Buffaloes, though it's possible he could serve as a starter.

Cotton elected free agency Thursday after he was outrighted off the Giants' 40-man roster, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton surrendered six earned runs over five outings after being claimed off waivers by the Giants in mid-September, and he won't remain in the organization to begin the offseason. He has a 3.54 ERA over 73.2 innings over the past two seasons but has been unable to maintain a roster spot in the majors.

Cotton (4-2) earned the extra-inning win Sunday versus the Diamondbacks, allowing an unearned run on two hits and striking out one over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton allowed Arizona to go ahead quickly in the 10th inning, but he limited the damage to just one run. The Giants then replied with David Villar's walkoff two-run single in their half of the frame. Over 7.1 innings across four appearances as a Giant, Cotton has allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven. He's posted a 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 38:18 K:BB across 42.1 innings overall when accounting for his time with the Twins this year.

Cotton (3-2) won his Giants debut Thursday. He allowed two hits and struck out one in 2.2 innings versus the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton faced eight batters, benefiting from double plays to end the sixth and seventh innings after allowing singles in each frame. His team debut was a success, lowering his season ERA to 2.63 with a 1.09 WHIP and 32:16 K:BB through 37.2 innings between the Giants and the Twins. The right-hander could be a candidate for occasional work as a primary pitcher since the Giants have opted not to call up a starter to replace Alex Wood (shoulder) in the rotation, instead filling the void with bullpen games.

Cotton reported to the Giants' major league facility and is active ahead of Wednesday's game against Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

After being designated for assignment by the Twins for the fourth time this season Thursday and then claimed by San Francisco on Sunday, Cotton is officially ready to make his Giants debut. The 30-year-old reliever holds a 2.83 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 35 innings of work this season. Sean Hjelle was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento in order to make room for Cotton on the roster.

Cotton was claimed off waivers by the Giants on Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton was designated for assignment Thursday by Minnesota for the fourth time this season, and this time he was plucked off the waiver wire by San Francisco. The 30-year-old has a 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB across 35 innings this season.

Cotton was designated for assignment by the Twins after Thursday's win over the Royals, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton was called up from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday but was jettisoned from the 40-man roster without making an appearance. The 30-year-old has a 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB across 35 innings this season.

The Twins selected Cotton's contract from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Minnesota will swap Cotton into the bullpen in place of Cole Sands, who was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Cotton has previously covered 35 innings over 25 relief appearances for Minnesota, logging a 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB.

Cotton cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A St. Paul on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Cotton was designated for assignment earlier this week but will stick in the organization after going unclaimed on waivers. The 30-year-old has a 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB across 35 innings for the Twins this year, so he figures to be in the mix for a promotion when the team needs bullpen depth.

The Twins designated Cotton for assignment Tuesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's very possible that Cotton, with a 2.83 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB in 35 innings of relief this season, generates some interest on waivers. Granted, he's pitched in mostly low-leverage situations, but a team needing bullpen help could certainly claim him.