The Astros on Wednesday added four minor leaguers to their 40-man roster in order to protect them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. The club added pitchers Cristian Javier, Enoli Paredes and Nivaldo Rodriguez, and first baseman Taylor Jones.
Players signed at age 18 or younger must be added to the team’s 40-man roster within five seasons or they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Those signed at 19 or older must be on the 40-man roster within four seasons. So the purpose of adding these players to the 40-man roster is to protect them from the draft.