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Rule 5 Draft Begins Today at Winter Meetings as Bullpen Market Narrows

Clubs finalize 40-man plans under Rule 5 requirements ahead of this afternoon’s selections.

Overview

  • The Rule 5 Draft starts at 1 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on MLB.com.
  • Eligible players not on 40-man rosters can be selected for $100,000, with a $50,000 return right if they do not remain on a 26-man roster all season, and teams without open 40-man spots cannot pick.
  • Recent late-inning moves tightened the relief market, with Edwin Díaz agreeing to a three-year deal with the Dodgers, Gregory Soto signing with the Pirates, and Kyle Finnegan returning to the Tigers on a two-year pact.
  • The Pirates have been linked to Jorge Polanco, with an MLB.com report indicating the club was expected to put an offer on the table.
  • The Cubs are viewed as likely Rule 5 participants given only 31 players on their 40-man roster and a search for bullpen help.