The Rule 5 Draft is scheduled for 1pm CT and exposes international signees from 2020 and high school picks from 2020 and college picks from 2021 who are not on 40-man rosters. Any team can select an eligible player for a $100K fee, and selected players must remain on their new club's 26-man roster all season or be offered back to the original club for $50K. Teams need open 40-man roster spots to make selections, forcing some clubs to clear space. Past Rule 5 picks have produced contributors, including Anthony Santander and 2025 All-Star Shane Smith. The Pirates pursued Kyle Schwarber, who rejected a four-year, $120MM offer, and the club may redirect resources toward Jorge Polanco.
"International players and high school draft picks who signed in 2020 and college draft picks signed in 2021 who have not yet been added to their club's 40-man roster are vulnerable in today's draft, where any club can select them for a $100K fee. If the player does not stick on their new club's 26-man roster for the entire season, he must be offered back to his original club for $50K."
"2025's draft saw White Sox right-hander Shane Smith and Marlins catcher stick with the clubs that drafted them on the 26-man roster through the entire year, while right-hander was claimed off waivers by the White Sox and remained in Chicago for the whole year as well. Smith, in particular, is noteworthy for earning an All-Star appearance and down-ballot consideration in AL Rookie of the Year voting thanks to his 3.81 ERA in 29 starts for Chicago."
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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