MLB Teams Finalize 40-Man Rosters Ahead of Rule 5 Draft

As the deadline for Major League Baseball's Rule 5 Draft approaches, teams have been actively finalizing their 40-man rosters to protect eligible players from being selected. The Rule 5 Draft is scheduled for December 10 during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. Teams had until November 18 to add players to their rosters, with unprotected players becoming available for selection.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers added Ronan Kopp to their 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft after trading Robinson Ortiz to the Seattle Mariners. Kopp, a 12th-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, had a combined 3.43 ERA in 49 appearances across Double-A and Triple-A in 2025. The Dodgers currently have one open spot on their roster.

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The Cleveland Guardians also made significant moves, adding infielders Angel Genao and Kahlil Watson, along with pitchers Austin Peterson and Yorman Gomez. Genao, who hit .259 in Double-A, and Watson, who posted an .834 OPS in Triple-A, are seen as promising prospects. To accommodate these additions, the Guardians designated Nic Enright for assignment after he underwent Tommy John surgery.

The Philadelphia Phillies protected three players: right-handers Andrew Painter and Alex McFarlane, and outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. Painter, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is ranked as the top prospect in the Phillies system, despite a challenging 2025 season. McFarlane, who had a 4.84 ERA across two levels, and Rincones, who hit .240 with 18 home runs in Triple-A, were also deemed essential to retain.

Phillies Rule 5 Draft Protection: Three Key Additions

Conversely, the Phillies left right-hander Griff McGarry unprotected for the second consecutive year. McGarry, once a top prospect, struggled with command, posting a 3.25 ERA but allowing 45 walks in 72 innings.

Phillies just left one notable name exposed to Rule 5 Draft but protect key trio

The Miami Marlins added catcher Joe Mack and right-handers Josh White and William Kempner to their roster. Mack, who had a strong season in Triple-A, is viewed as a key asset. The Marlins left several notable players unprotected, including infielder Jacob Berry and outfielder Andrew Pintar, raising questions about their future with the organization.

Joe Mack, Josh White, William Kempner selected to Marlins 40-man roster

The Kansas City Royals opted to protect pitchers Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac, addressing a critical need for starting pitching depth. Both players had underwhelming seasons but are seen as having potential for future contributions.

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The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select unprotected players from other organizations, requiring them to remain on the selecting team's active roster for the entire season or be offered back to their original team. Historically, pitchers make up a significant majority of selections, with teams often targeting those with upper-minors experience and potential for development.

What Do MLB Teams Target In The Rule 5 Draft?

As teams finalize their rosters, the decisions made now could significantly impact their future, with the Rule 5 Draft serving as a pivotal moment for both players and organizations. The upcoming draft will reveal which unprotected players attract interest and how teams strategize to bolster their rosters for the 2026 season.

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