MLP Waiver Period #2 Preview: Collin Johns Available
The second and final waiver period for Major League Pickleball’s (MLP) Premier Level, along with the first and only waiver period for the Challenger Level, is upon us. This crucial phase in the 2025 MLP season presents teams with their last opportunity to pick up waiver players, barring any injury-related exceptions later in the year.
In a surprising turn of events, the Carolina Hogs have made Collin Johns available during this Waiver Period, opting to protect Ben Johns and Brandon French instead. This decision has sparked intrigue and speculation within the pickleball community.
Recap of the First Waiver Period
For those who may have missed it, the first Premier Level Waiver Period saw minimal activity, with only Roscoe Bellamy being picked up by the SoCal Hard Eights. However, due to a lower body injury, Bellamy has yet to make his debut for the team.
The upcoming waiver period is expected to see significantly more movement compared to its predecessor, as teams look to bolster their rosters for the remainder of the season.
Order of Operations for Premier Level Waiver Period #2
The second Premier Level Waiver Period follows a structured timeline:
- June 10: Premier teams declare their 5th and 6th players by Noon ET
- June 11: MLP updates the available player pool by Noon ET
- June 12: Teams submit waiver bids via Dutch Auction by Noon ET
- June 13: MLP shares the waiver selection order by Noon ET (picks cannot be traded)
- June 16: Premier Level Waivers #2 begins at Noon ET (one round)
- June 17: Bench player replacement requests will be granted by Noon ET
Challenger Level Waivers
The Challenger Level Waivers are scheduled for June 18 at Noon ET. Teams in this level can make up to two waiver selections, with the selection order remaining the same for both rounds. The order is as follows:
- Florida Smash
- Bay Area Breakers*
- California Black Bears
- D.C. Pickleball Team
- Nashville Chefs
- Las Vegas Night Owls
*Bay Area gets to pick before California due to their head-to-head loss against California, despite being tied in both points per match and game win percentage.
Teams Potentially Seeking Players via Waivers
Premier Level
Several Premier Level teams might be looking to make changes to their rosters:
- Brooklyn Pickleball Team: With uncertainty surrounding Riley Newman’s groin injury, they may seek to upgrade from Pat Smith.
- SoCal Hard Eights: Tereschenko’s lower body injury might prompt them to bolster their roster with a player ready for immediate action.
- Carolina Hogs: Recent match performances suggest they may be looking to make roster changes for energy purposes.
- NY Hustlers and Orlando Squeeze: Both teams are dealing with visa issues affecting Helena Spiridis and Tom Evans, respectively.
It’s worth noting that MLP has introduced a “Restricted List,” allowing Orlando and New York to place Spiridis and Evans on this list, functioning similarly to an IR slot. This enables these teams to pick up alternate subs on June 17, with Spiridis and Evans returning to their respective rosters upon their return to the US.
Challenger Level
In the Challenger Level, all teams except Las Vegas (currently in first place) could potentially look to upgrade their rosters. Given that this is the only opportunity to do so, it’s likely that many Challenger Level teams will make moves during this waiver period.
Notable Available Players
Out of the 72 United Pickleball Association (UPA) players eligible for this Waiver Period (32 women and 40 men), several standout names have caught the attention of analysts and fans alike.
Surprising Available Players
1. Collin Johns (Carolina Hogs): The decision to make Johns available has raised eyebrows, potentially indicating Carolina’s intention to claim another player off waivers or a willingness to part ways with Johns.
2. Judit Castillo (SoCal Hard Eights): This move suggests the Hard Eights may be eyeing another available player, possibly to replace the injured Irina Tereschenko.
3. Roscoe Bellamy (SoCal Hard Eights): Having just been claimed by SoCal in the first waiver period, Bellamy’s availability is puzzling, especially considering teams can only make one waiver claim.
Top Available Women Players
The list of top available women players includes names like Judit Castillo, Helena Jansen, Felicity Di Laura, Cailyn Campbell, and Christa Gecheva, among others. Each brings unique skills and experiences to the table, from raw power and athleticism to seasoned pro experience.
Top Available Men Players
On the men’s side, notable available players include Collin Johns, Roscoe Bellamy, AJ Koller, Grayson Goldin, and Rafa Hewett. These players offer a range of skills, from elite right-side play to versatility and high energy on the court.
Implications for the 2025 MLP Season
This waiver period represents a critical juncture in the 2025 MLP season. Teams have the opportunity to address weaknesses, replace injured players, or simply shake up their rosters in pursuit of better performance. The decisions made during this period could have far-reaching consequences for the remainder of the season, potentially altering the competitive landscape of both the Premier and Challenger Levels.
For players, this waiver period offers a chance at new opportunities, whether it’s joining a team for the first time this season or finding a better fit with a different organization. The availability of high-profile players like Collin Johns adds an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings, as teams weigh the potential benefits of adding such talent against their current roster needs and team dynamics.
Conclusion
As the MLP moves into this crucial waiver period, all eyes will be on the teams and players involved. The decisions made in the coming days could significantly impact the trajectory of the 2025 season, reshaping team rosters and potentially shifting the balance of power within the league.
Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see which players find new homes and how these moves affect team performances in the upcoming events. With the season in full swing, the outcomes of this waiver period could set the stage for exciting developments and intense competition in the weeks and months to come.
Stay tuned to The Dink Newsletter for all the breaking information and to stay up-to-date on all things pickleball as this pivotal waiver period unfolds.
