MLB Rule 5 Draft Insights and Top Prospects

As teams prepare for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft on December 10, 2025, at 2 PM ET, insights into eligible players and strategies are crucial for understanding potential roster changes. The Rule 5 draft allows teams to select players who are not protected on 40-man rosters, giving them a chance to add talent that might otherwise remain buried in the minor leagues.

Players become eligible after their fourth or fifth professional season, depending on their signing age. This draft has a rich history, originating in 1903 to prevent teams from hoarding talent in the lower leagues.

According to Baseball America, the draft is a mechanism for teams to add players they believe can contribute at the major league level, although the Yankees have not selected a player in the major league phase since 2011, while the Padres lead the century with 23 players picked.

In the 2025 draft, notable prospects include Matt Pushard, a right-hander from the Marlins with a 3.61 ERA in 62.1 innings and a high miss rate, and Andrew Pintar, an outfielder also from the Marlins, who showcased speed and power with a .269 batting average and 24 steals in Triple-A.

Other top candidates include Kyler Fedko, whose 28 home runs and 38 steals in 2025 may appeal to rebuilding teams, and Blake Burkhalter, who has transitioned from starting to relieving roles effectively with a solid ERA and strikeout rates.

Harrison Cohen from the Yankees has a deceptive delivery and a strong mix of pitches, while Zach McCambley, another Marlins pitcher, has a strong slider and respectable ERAs in Triple-A. The list continues with CJ Culpepper of the Twins, who boasts a solid slider despite a drop in fastball velocity due to injuries, and Hayden Mullins of the Red Sox, who has shown strong strikeout rates post-recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Alimber Santa from the Astros has a deep pitch mix but struggles with command, while Yordanny Monegro, also from the Red Sox, is likely to be picked despite missing the 2026 season due to injury. Other intriguing names include Jared Southard of the Angels, Ryan Long of the Orioles, and Gavin Collyer of the Rangers, each showcasing promising skills despite mixed performances.

The draft order, beginning with the Colorado Rockies, will play a significant role in shaping team rosters as clubs evaluate their prospects. The Rule 5 draft remains a pivotal moment in the offseason, with the potential to reshape team dynamics and player careers significantly.