The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings are just around the corner, signaling it’s time to shift attention to the offseason’s crucial event: the Rule 5 draft. This year’s draft will take place the Wednesday after the MLB Draft Lottery. Unlike amateur drafts, the Rule 5 draft doesn’t use a lottery system or penalize teams for repeat picks. Instead, the Colorado Rockies, holding the worst record in 2025, will get the first pick, with the rest of the teams selecting in reverse order of their winning percentages.
The Rule 5 draft is designed to stop teams from hoarding talent. When a player is signed, teams have a limited period to add them to their 40-man roster. Players who are eligible but unprotected can be picked by other teams for a fee, but they must stay on the new team’s 26-man major league roster for the entire season (unless injured, and rights can be traded anytime).
To understand the typical Rule 5 draft class, look at players like White Sox pitcher Shane Smith and Marlins catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks, who made notable appearances last year. This year, some key players to watch include Fabian, McGarry, Burkhalter, Mozzicato, Montgomery, Pouchard, Kasevic, Mullins, Weston, and Dion, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses influencing whether they might be selected.
Fabian, known for power and defense but hampered by high strikeouts and poor Triple-A performance, likely won’t be chosen. McGarry, with mid-90s pitching but poor command, also probably won’t be picked. Burkhalter, a versatile pitcher with an average arsenal who could serve as a utility arm, is expected to be selected. Mozzicato, once highly regarded for his curveball and potential, has struggled with performance and command, making him a less likely choice. Montgomery, plagued by swing issues and a weak batting average, won’t likely be selected either.
Pouchard, the oldest in this group and featuring a mid-90s fastball and strong breaking balls, might debut in the majors if picked. Kasevic’s limited playtime due to injuries and lack of power may keep him off teams’ radars. Mullins, with strong strikeout numbers but control issues, is a probable pick. Weston, a sidearmer with an assortment of pitches but control problems, probably won’t be selected, and Dion, known for mimicking Clayton Kershaw’s style but lacking standout attributes, is also unlikely to be chosen.
Fan Take: The Rule 5 draft offers exciting opportunities for lesser-known players to break into the big leagues, keeping the talent pool dynamic and competitive. For fans, it’s a chance to discover future stars and see teams take strategic risks that could reshape rosters and impact the sport’s future.
