When it comes to the baseball calendar, there can’t be an event more unsubstantial that drives more discussion and consternation amongst a fan base than the Rule 5 Draft.
That is why, at any point in the season, one can drop it as a topic of discussion and most everyone will have something to say.
With the trade deadline behind us—the event most likely to bring new prospects in—I thought I’d take a quick look at who’s eligible and who’s likely to be protected.
What’s nice is that if you know how to count, a player’s status is known the minute they sign, so it’s something that can be discussed anytime.