2025 Rule 5 Draft: What to Expect

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

The upcoming 2025 Rule 5 Draft, an essential event for baseball teams, is set to take place on Wednesday at 1 p.m. CT. This draft allows teams to select players who have been overlooked in deep organizational rosters, giving them a chance to showcase their talents in the major leagues.

Eligibility and Draft Rules

To be eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft, players must not be on a team’s 40-man roster. Additionally, players who turned professional at age 18 or younger must have signed in 2021 or earlier. Those who were 19 or older when they signed must have done so in 2022 or earlier. Teams are required to keep selected players on their active roster for the entire season. Failure to do so will result in that player being offered back to their original team.

Draft History and Team Strategies

In the previous year’s draft, several players made notable contributions, such as catcher Liam Hicks from the Tigers and pitchers Shane Smith and Mike Vasil from the White Sox. This year’s draft is particularly interesting for the Kansas City Royals, who have two open spots on their 40-man roster, holding the 16th pick. While they might not be very active, a likely selection could be a left-handed reliever or a right-handed outfield hitter.

Key Players to Watch in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft

Choate: A 6’8” pitcher who recorded a 3.51 ERA with 123 strikeouts in 102.2 innings at Double-A.
Mullins: Despite a high walk rate, he remains a viable option due to his strong performance.
Murphy: Had a standout 1.38 ERA in 110.2 innings at Double-A, albeit with low strikeout rates.
Natera: Features a plus slider, with a 2.84 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 57 innings.
Selvidge: A former top prospect recovering from injury, he had a 4.92 ERA this year.
Webb: Relied on off-speed pitches, posting a 4.15 ERA with 119 strikeouts in Triple-A.
Castillo: Left unprotected, this 25-year-old recorded a 2.94 ERA with a fastball in the mid-90s.
Childers: A former undrafted player with a 3.20 ERA and a fastball reaching 99 mph.
García: A promising 22-year-old with a 1.70 ERA and significant upside.
McGarry: A prior top 100 prospect who dominated the minors last year.

Potential Outfield Options

Bleis: A top 100 prospect, he has shown potential but is still developing at higher levels.
Cauley: Versatile with experience in multiple positions, he hit .314/.429/.495 against lefties last year.
Fedko: A solid performer in Double-A and Triple-A, with notable speed on the bases.
Pintar: A speedy right-handed bat who performed admirably against left-sided pitchers.
Rosario: Excelled in Double-A, hitting .293 against lefties and providing additional outfield depth.

Conclusion

The 2025 Rule 5 Draft is set to unveil a mix of new talent and opportunities for teams to bolster their rosters. With deep analysis and careful strategy, teams like the Royals will look to find hidden gems who can make an immediate impact in the major leagues.