What happens to a player with a no-trade clause who is claimed off waivers before the end of their contract?

A player with a no-trade clause who is claimed off waivers before the end of their contract is typically retained by the claiming team under the original terms of the player's contract. This means the player does not become an unrestricted free agent, nor is there a requirement to negotiate a new contract. The no-trade clause does not apply in the case of waiver claims because the player does not have the option to refuse the trade to the new team; instead, they are assigned to the claiming team, effectively retaining the terms of their existing contract. The original club is unable to prevent the move, and the player’s contract remains intact.

The situation is different from a straightforward release, where the player might enter free agency. In waiver claims, particularly with a no-trade clause, the process is about the team assuming the contract rather than the player arbitrarily gaining free agency status. Thus, the correct answer pertains to the fact that the player stays under the existing contract terms with the new team rather than gaining unrestricted free agent status.