Rule 5 Draft: 2024-25

[imref]

Draft takes place on December 11.

A look at the Nats who are available and who they are likely to protect:
http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/?p=18711

Group 1 Protection Candidates: Alvarez near lock, Sinclair maybe
Group 1A Protection Candidates: Schoff maybe
Group 2 Protection Candidates: Hassell a lock.
Group 3 Protection Candidates: None
Group 4 Protection Candidates: Cronin maybe, Solesky unlikely.
Group 5 Protection Candidates: Lara a lock, Made, Atencio, Acosta unlikely

[Senatorswin]

If we lose any of those that aren't a lock I don't think it will matter.

[Slateman]

At this point, I'd rather Rizzo not draft anyone. The last two have been utter disasters, and there were much better options he ignored.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Nunez ultimately looks like a backup glove first infielder who may have a shot at an MLB roster. Could maybe have used the roster slot better earlier in the year, but not a disaster.

Ward flamed out; I think the Os grabbed him and may find a key.

I think Rizzo is too conservative in his Rule 5 picks. Guys he can carry in the bullpen or bench without too much damage to the roster. I'd rather see him go for the best bat and see if he's more than a minor league mirage.

[Senatorswin]

Santander has to be the poster boy for rule 5 pickups.

[Natsinpwc]

Santander has to be the poster boy for rule 5 pickups.

Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino a few years back.

[blue911]

Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino a few years back.

Johan Santana, Josh Hamilton.

And if you want to go way back, Roberto Clemente

[Mattionals]

Johan Santana, Josh Hamilton.

And if you want to go way back, Roberto Clemente

What, no love for Jesus Flores?

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Johan Santana, Josh Hamilton.

And if you want to go way back, Roberto Clemente

Lou Merloni got a broadcast career out of it and maybe a ring.

[imref]

Prospect protection deadline is tomorrow. Andrew Flax says Hassell and Lara are locks as well, and possibly Andrew Alvarez. Possibly Daison Acosta. There are four open slots on the 40-man.

[imref]

Hassell and Lara added to the 40 man.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Perhaps they think they are signing players before the Rule 5 draft so they wanted to keep some slots open?

[imref]

Perhaps they think they are signing players before the Rule 5 draft so they wanted to keep some slots open?

or drafting someone?

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Todd Boss at Nationals Arm Race goes through the history of Nats players protected from rule 5. Rates as probably 3 of the best moves by the Nats protecting Irvin, Parker, and Herz, along with Taylor, Goodwin, and Solis. 2013, with Taylor, Barrett, and Solis probably had the most impact, but if Parker and Herz hold rotation slots, then 2024 may edge that out.
https://www.nationalsarmrace.com/

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Adding a guy only to waive him before the Rule 5 draft burns an option and also exposes him to others through waivers, so it isn't a cost-free decision. Alvarez doesn't have great stuff so maybe they figure he's worth being kept off the roster as he's not the type most teams would keep on a roster for a year.