Cotton split last season between the Giants and Twins, finishing with a solid 3.56 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 39/20 K/BB ratio across 43 innings (30 appearances). The soon-to-be 30-year-old righty, who was an extremely promising pitching prospect a few years ago, will head overseas to Japan to attempt to rebuild his long-term value.

Cotton landed with the Giants on a waiver claim in September, but he was recently pushed off their 40-man roster and ultimately passed through waivers unclaimed. The 30-year-old right-hander holds a career 4.50 ERA and 197/92 K/BB ratio in 232 total major league innings.

The Giants will take a chance on Cotton, who produced a 2.83 ERA across 35 innings of work for the Twins. Willie Calhoun was waived in the corresponding move. 

Cotton is removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Bailey Ober, who will be activated to start on Friday against the Guardians. The veteran right-hander will likely be looking for another organization to play for in 2023.