The New York Yankees have been faced with a significant setback in recent years when it comes to the MLB Rule 5 draft. This draft, which is a key part of the winter meetings, allows teams to add players to their big league roster if they are not already on another team’s 40-man roster. Unfortunately for the Yankees, they have been hit harder than any other team in the league. Over the past eight Rule 5 drafts, a staggering 20 of the 120 picks made have come from Yankees’ minor league players. This accounts for 17% of all picks made, a number that far exceeds what would be expected if each team had an equal ability to sign and develop players.
While being hit hard by the Rule 5 draft has been a blow to the Yankees, it has also showcased the talent within their farm system. Several players who were selected from the Yankees and stuck with their new teams have excelled in the big leagues. One notable example is Garrett Whitlock, a right-handed pitcher who was picked up by the Boston Red Sox. Whitlock has already posted an impressive 3.9 wins above replacement (WAR) and even signed a lucrative $18.75 million extension in 2022. Another success story is Trevor Stephan, a right-handed pitcher who was selected by the Cleveland Guardians and has posted a solid 2.1 WAR. Stephan secured a $10 million extension in 2023, further proving his value to his new team. It’s worth noting that not all players who were selected actually stayed with their new club. Nestor Cortes, a left-handed pitcher, was temporarily part of the Baltimore Orioles after being drafted by them in 2017. However, he was returned to the Yankees later in the season and has since posted an impressive 5.3 WAR.
Last year’s Rule 5 draft had an interesting mix of outcomes. The top six picks all remained on the big league roster for the full season, resulting in their rights transferring to their new clubs. However, the next seven picks were ultimately returned to their original teams. One of the most intriguing picks in last year’s draft was made by the Cleveland Guardians, who selected third baseman Deyvison De Los Santos from the Arizona Diamondbacks. De Los Santos, who is only 20 years old, has already showcased his massive power and has played 123 games in Double-A. It will be fascinating to see how he continues to develop and contribute to his new team.
In the most recent Rule 5 draft, three New York Yankees’ farmhands were among the 10 picks made in the MLB portion. The Oakland Athletics selected right-hander Mitch Spence as the top pick, followed by the Kansas City Royals selecting right-hander Matt Sauer. The final pick of the draft went to the Texas Rangers, who selected right-hander Coleman Crow. Of the three players, Sauer stands out as having the strongest prospect pedigree. As a second-round pick from a California high school in the 2017 draft, he received an impressive $2.5 million bonus, which is equivalent to a late first-round pick.
The Rule 5 Draft and Its Impact
The Rule 5 draft presents a unique opportunity for teams to acquire talent that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. It allows for players to showcase their skills and potentially make an immediate impact in the big leagues. While teams like the Yankees may experience setbacks due to losing valuable prospects in this draft, it also highlights the depth of talent within their farm system. Overall, the Rule 5 draft adds an exciting element to the winter meetings and keeps fans eagerly anticipating the potential impact of these new additions to their favorite teams.
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