Toronto GM Ross Atkins has promised fans a “competitive” team from 2021. So as the Jays continue to rebuild in 2020, their fifth selection in the Rule 5 Draft this December 12th in San Diego offers an opportunity to acquire overlooked talent.
Given ongoing trade talk around closer Ken Giles, the Rule 5 Draft is also a chance to acquire pitching depth. With question marks about the three remaining lefties on the 40-man roster, targeting a LHP makes sense as well.
With 26-man active rosters in 2020, rebuilding (and creative) teams may be more willing to carry an intriguing Rule 5 pick (or two) than in previous years.