Jump to content
Brewer Fanatic
  • List of Brewers Rule 5 Eligible Players - Who to Protect?


    Jim Goulart

    With the minor league seasons wrapping up soon, we can begin to predict who the Brewers will be adding to their 40-man roster by November (or sooner) in order to prevent other organizations from plucking them in December's Rule 5 draft. All MLB teams need to finalize their Rule 5 protection "reserve" lists by November 20th. 

    Brewers Video

     

    Via MLB.com -

    "Held each December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a full 40-man roster to select certain non-40-man roster players from other clubs. Clubs draft in reverse order of the standings from the previous season. Players signed at age 18 or younger need to be added to their club's 40-Man roster within five seasons or they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Players who signed at age 19 or older need to be protected within four seasons."

    In November 2021, even though the Rule 5 draft did not take place later that winter due to the lockout, all MLB teams had to finalize rosters. The Brewers did not deem any minor league player worthy of protection and no players were added to the 40-man. The player many considered as a possibility, OF/INF Korry Howell, would later be traded (along with catcher Brett Sullivan) to San Diego in the deal that netted catcher Victor Caratini. Howell was having a productive 2022 season prior to a season-ending injury in June and is currently ranked at #10 in Pipeline's most recent and heavily reconfigured Padres Top 30. But in many ways, Caratini has filled a critical role for the Crew. The Brewers don't regret the deal.

    Prior to the 2020 Rule 5, RHP's Alec Bettinger and Dylan File were added to the 40-man. Both were dropped from the 40-man this year, each clearing waivers. Bettinger was since released and has announced his retirement. File remains productive and the Brewers maintain his rights for the 2023 season. File is eligible to be re-added to the 40-man as shown below.

    Following this list of 62 eligible players, I'll briefly provide my thoughts on who I would protect if I were in the GM seat. But we really look forward to seeing your responses in the comments. Keep in mind that although they may be big leaguers soon, players like Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Joey Wiemer do not need to be added to protect them from Rule 5. Their pro baseball journeys are too short at this point.

    Current Nashville Sounds:

    Current Biloxi Shuckers:

    Current Wisconsin Timber Rattlers:

    Current Carolina Mudcats:

    Current Maryvale Brewers:

     

    My Protection List:
    Brice Turang (Lock) - Most likely won't need to wait until November 20th and will see action down the stretch
    Cam Robinson - Rare for a pure reliever to be added, but hard to dispute the amazing 2021-2022 production
    Abner Uribe - Two pure relievers? It's today's MLB. Season-ending injury was a knee, not the 103 MPH arm.

    Not quite:
    Victor Castaneda, Justin Jarvis, Felix Valerio, Eduardo Garcia

    Just to wrap up, there is a Minor League Phase of the Rule 5 draft as well:

    For the Minor League phase, any player not protected on a 38-man Triple-A roster from that same group can be selected. Any team with a full 38-man Triple-A roster is not allowed to make a selection, but teams can make as many picks as they want until they get to 38 players.

    That doesn’t mean, as it does in the Major League phase, that a player selected has to stick at that level. If a team takes a player in the Minor League phase, it costs $24,500, paid to the original team. The selecting team can then send its new player to any level in its system it chooses.

    Without getting too deep into the woods, the Brewers will likely set their "AAA" roster to 35 to 36, leaving room for them to make a pick or two in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft if they wish. They will create that list from the 62 names above. Those not included will be eligible to be plucked in the minor league phase of Rule 5.

    Final note: You see names on the list above, namely Nashville C Brian Navarreto and RHP Marcus Walden, plus Biloxi RHP Arnaldo Hernandez and C Jason Lopez, that seemingly will not qualify for minor league free agency and do not appear on our previously published list of those players. We have reason to believe that these players are on current deals that extend their relationship with Milwaukee into 2023.

     

    Think you could write a story like this? Brewer Fanatic wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.

    MORE FROM BREWER FANATIC
    — Latest Brewers coverage from our writers
    — Recent Brewers discussion in our forums
    — Follow Brewer Fanatic via Twitter, Facebook or email

    • Like 1
     Share


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Featured Comments

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    3 hours ago, CheeseheadInQC said:

    I think there are going to be a lot of Valerio types left unprotected this year. The COVID year backed up a lot of players’ progress making more eligible players more years away from the majors. Turang and Robinson are arguably MLB ready and Uribe throws 102-mph fastballs. Those are easier to roster than a promising player who should probably start the year in AA and ideally would probably be a second-base only guy.

    Outside of the top three, I think Castaneda has the best chance of getting picked both because more pitchers typically get chosen and because I know I have read some thoughts that his stuff would play better in relief, the role he would have in the big leagues at this point.

    My counterpoint to Castaneda is the development and work we might see from lefty Clayton Andrews -@ARobsBrewCrewalludes to above (I very nearly included him in my comment above - he's still very young, he's a lefty, and he's shown solid success across all levels before injuries derailed his initial Triple-A bid.). Will they use this final 3-4 weeks to help inform this decision now that Andrews is in Biloxi (if the weather even allows them to play a game, that is)? I'm unsure, but it is probably a consideration especially given what ARob is telling us. Given Cam Devanney can fill in quite well at 3B and is just a really good defender, I'd have to consider given his maturation and development at the plate in 2022 and his improving frame and body he'd have to be a serious consideration as well. It will be interesting to see what happens - that much is certain.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    As far as rolling the dice is concerned, I think we'd be in more danger losing Devanney than Valerio. I think Felix rebounds next year repeating AA (at least to start the season) & re-establishes himself to those whose radar he may have fallen off of. Having said that he had his struggles this season & I can't see him getting plucked. A longshot, but with the universal DH I wonder if someone considers Lutz.

    Glad to hear the projections re Robinson being protected.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    As far as rolling the dice is concerned, I think we'd be in more danger losing Devanney than Valerio. I think Felix rebounds next year repeating AA (at least to start the season) & re-establishes himself to those whose radar he may have fallen off of. Having said that he had his struggles this season & I can't see him getting plucked. A longshot, but with the universal DH I wonder if someone considers Lutz.

    Glad to hear the projections re Robinson being protected.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Agreed - Valerio was in my consideration set (actually, the next guy at #7), but like others have said every year there are guys like him available but rarely picked.  I agree that they are more likely to lose Devanney (harder to find a SS with good offensive production than 2B) than Valerio, and I don't see them having more than six spots to add people, thus why I had Devanney on my list and not Valerio.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Agreed - Valerio was in my consideration set (actually, the next guy at #7), but like others have said every year there are guys like him available but rarely picked.  I agree that they are more likely to lose Devanney (harder to find a SS with good offensive production than 2B) than Valerio, and I don't see them having more than six spots to add people, thus why I had Devanney on my list and not Valerio.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think the list put together by Mass Haas is the way I would go as well. Would consider Valerio being only 21 but hard to believe another team would keep him on the roster all year. If a Devanney/Lutz/Andrews type got drafted I would be glad they had the opportunity but don't really see a Brewer being picked.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think the list put together by Mass Haas is the way I would go as well. Would consider Valerio being only 21 but hard to believe another team would keep him on the roster all year. If a Devanney/Lutz/Andrews type got drafted I would be glad they had the opportunity but don't really see a Brewer being picked.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    damuelle
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    I'm very curious how the Rule 5 Draft will go this year. In theory, the extra MLB roster spot (26 vs. 25), universal DH (less in-game substitution in the NL) and 3-batter rule (fewer LOOGYs) will make it easier to stash an extra player, thus countering the 30-year trend of needing more MLB roster space for relief pitchers.

    However, the cap on total pitchers on the MLB roster (i.e. 13 maximum) actually means it's easier to stash young hitters, not necessarily young pitchers. Just look at how many plate appearances that Jonathan Davis has gotten over the past month.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    6 minutes ago, damuelle said:

    I'm very curious how the Rule 5 Draft will go this year. In theory, the extra MLB roster spot (26 vs. 25), universal DH (less in-game substitution in the NL) and 3-batter rule (fewer LOOGYs) will make it easier to stash an extra player, thus countering the 30-year trend of needing more MLB roster space for relief pitchers.

    However, the cap on total pitchers on the MLB roster (i.e. 13 maximum) actually means it's easier to stash young hitters, not necessarily young pitchers. Just look at how many plate appearances that Jonathan Davis has gotten over the past month.

    Very salient points! Lots for teams to consider and potentially a changing landscape given the new parameters.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    6 minutes ago, damuelle said:

    I'm very curious how the Rule 5 Draft will go this year. In theory, the extra MLB roster spot (26 vs. 25), universal DH (less in-game substitution in the NL) and 3-batter rule (fewer LOOGYs) will make it easier to stash an extra player, thus countering the 30-year trend of needing more MLB roster space for relief pitchers.

    However, the cap on total pitchers on the MLB roster (i.e. 13 maximum) actually means it's easier to stash young hitters, not necessarily young pitchers. Just look at how many plate appearances that Jonathan Davis has gotten over the past month.

    Very salient points! Lots for teams to consider and potentially a changing landscape given the new parameters.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Devanney has been playing quite a lot at 3B this year, not exactly a position we're deep at. So I hope he squeaks through if left exposed.

    They aren't still viewing Andrews through a two-way lens, are they?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Devanney has been playing quite a lot at 3B this year, not exactly a position we're deep at. So I hope he squeaks through if left exposed.

    They aren't still viewing Andrews through a two-way lens, are they?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    1 minute ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

    Devanney has been playing quite a lot at 3B this year, not exactly a position we're deep at. So I hope he squeaks through if left exposed.

    They aren't still viewing Andrews through a two-way lens, are they?

    Nope, the only two-way player currently in the system is one Quinton Low. Andrews is strictly a pitcher now.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    1 minute ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

    Devanney has been playing quite a lot at 3B this year, not exactly a position we're deep at. So I hope he squeaks through if left exposed.

    They aren't still viewing Andrews through a two-way lens, are they?

    Nope, the only two-way player currently in the system is one Quinton Low. Andrews is strictly a pitcher now.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    3 hours ago, damuelle said:

    I'm very curious how the Rule 5 Draft will go this year. In theory, the extra MLB roster spot (26 vs. 25), universal DH (less in-game substitution in the NL) and 3-batter rule (fewer LOOGYs) will make it easier to stash an extra player, thus countering the 30-year trend of needing more MLB roster space for relief pitchers.

    However, the cap on total pitchers on the MLB roster (i.e. 13 maximum) actually means it's easier to stash young hitters, not necessarily young pitchers. Just look at how many plate appearances that Jonathan Davis has gotten over the past month.

    This was my thought...though I'll be honest, I didn't really consider the 13 pitcher limit, more just the extra roster spot and the DH. 

    I was just curious how close people have Valerio to protecting him, if people thought he could be picked.


    The arguments against make sense. He's 21, been pushed aggressively, but also limited defensively and hasn't had a big year offensively. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    3 hours ago, damuelle said:

    I'm very curious how the Rule 5 Draft will go this year. In theory, the extra MLB roster spot (26 vs. 25), universal DH (less in-game substitution in the NL) and 3-batter rule (fewer LOOGYs) will make it easier to stash an extra player, thus countering the 30-year trend of needing more MLB roster space for relief pitchers.

    However, the cap on total pitchers on the MLB roster (i.e. 13 maximum) actually means it's easier to stash young hitters, not necessarily young pitchers. Just look at how many plate appearances that Jonathan Davis has gotten over the past month.

    This was my thought...though I'll be honest, I didn't really consider the 13 pitcher limit, more just the extra roster spot and the DH. 

    I was just curious how close people have Valerio to protecting him, if people thought he could be picked.


    The arguments against make sense. He's 21, been pushed aggressively, but also limited defensively and hasn't had a big year offensively. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    7 hours ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

    Devanney has been playing quite a lot at 3B this year, not exactly a position we're deep at. So I hope he squeaks through if left exposed.

    They aren't still viewing Andrews through a two-way lens, are they?

    Yes. Yes he has. AND, he's stellar at the hot corner. He can absolutely nail down SS and 3B in a pinch. From earlier this season in Mississippi. He makes fielding look so easy - he has all year.

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Joseph Zarr
  • Brewer Fanatic Contributor
  • Posted

    7 hours ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

    Devanney has been playing quite a lot at 3B this year, not exactly a position we're deep at. So I hope he squeaks through if left exposed.

    They aren't still viewing Andrews through a two-way lens, are they?

    Yes. Yes he has. AND, he's stellar at the hot corner. He can absolutely nail down SS and 3B in a pinch. From earlier this season in Mississippi. He makes fielding look so easy - he has all year.

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On one hand, I can see a GM going down the list and saying "I want three of these guys." Because they have some potential.
    On the other hand, GMs aren't just looking at the Brewers; they'd have to like our guy more than all the other available players from the other teams. Plus usually there aren't many players who get selected. 

    Turang is the only one that should definitely be protected.

    Richards and Uribe haven't been healthy; unless a GM has had a man-crush on them for years, I don't see them getting selected.

    I know Robinson has been very good,  but it's only for one year. What kind of stuff does he have? Most teams don't put their best prospects in the pen. I can't see a GM getting excited unless he throws 98mph. He's very young to be eligible. 
    Devanney has been good only this year. He wasn't a highly touted prospect. I've got to believe that most teams have someone they think is better in the minors. I think his floor is eventually as a AAAA callup, like Reyes or Mathias. That has little value. . Of course some of those guys turn into Jace, who has more value. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On one hand, I can see a GM going down the list and saying "I want three of these guys." Because they have some potential.
    On the other hand, GMs aren't just looking at the Brewers; they'd have to like our guy more than all the other available players from the other teams. Plus usually there aren't many players who get selected. 

    Turang is the only one that should definitely be protected.

    Richards and Uribe haven't been healthy; unless a GM has had a man-crush on them for years, I don't see them getting selected.

    I know Robinson has been very good,  but it's only for one year. What kind of stuff does he have? Most teams don't put their best prospects in the pen. I can't see a GM getting excited unless he throws 98mph. He's very young to be eligible. 
    Devanney has been good only this year. He wasn't a highly touted prospect. I've got to believe that most teams have someone they think is better in the minors. I think his floor is eventually as a AAAA callup, like Reyes or Mathias. That has little value. . Of course some of those guys turn into Jace, who has more value. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    4 hours ago, Robocaller said:

    On one hand, I can see a GM going down the list and saying "I want three of these guys." Because they have some potential.
    On the other hand, GMs aren't just looking at the Brewers; they'd have to like our guy more than all the other available players from the other teams. Plus usually there aren't many players who get selected. 

    Turang is the only one that should definitely be protected.

    Richards and Uribe haven't been healthy; unless a GM has had a man-crush on them for years, I don't see them getting selected.

    I know Robinson has been very good,  but it's only for one year. What kind of stuff does he have? Most teams don't put their best prospects in the pen. I can't see a GM getting excited unless he throws 98mph. He's very young to be eligible. 
    Devanney has been good only this year. He wasn't a highly touted prospect. I've got to believe that most teams have someone they think is better in the minors. I think his floor is eventually as a AAAA callup, like Reyes or Mathias. That has little value. . Of course some of those guys turn into Jace, who has more value. 

    What you say is definitely fair, but I think you should check again on Robinson and Devanney.  This is not the first season in which either has impressed.  Also, I don’t know who Richards is :) 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    4 hours ago, Robocaller said:

    On one hand, I can see a GM going down the list and saying "I want three of these guys." Because they have some potential.
    On the other hand, GMs aren't just looking at the Brewers; they'd have to like our guy more than all the other available players from the other teams. Plus usually there aren't many players who get selected. 

    Turang is the only one that should definitely be protected.

    Richards and Uribe haven't been healthy; unless a GM has had a man-crush on them for years, I don't see them getting selected.

    I know Robinson has been very good,  but it's only for one year. What kind of stuff does he have? Most teams don't put their best prospects in the pen. I can't see a GM getting excited unless he throws 98mph. He's very young to be eligible. 
    Devanney has been good only this year. He wasn't a highly touted prospect. I've got to believe that most teams have someone they think is better in the minors. I think his floor is eventually as a AAAA callup, like Reyes or Mathias. That has little value. . Of course some of those guys turn into Jace, who has more value. 

    What you say is definitely fair, but I think you should check again on Robinson and Devanney.  This is not the first season in which either has impressed.  Also, I don’t know who Richards is :) 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    5 hours ago, Robocaller said:

    On one hand, I can see a GM going down the list and saying "I want three of these guys." Because they have some potential.
    On the other hand, GMs aren't just looking at the Brewers; they'd have to like our guy more than all the other available players from the other teams. Plus usually there aren't many players who get selected. 

    Turang is the only one that should definitely be protected.

    Richards and Uribe haven't been healthy; unless a GM has had a man-crush on them for years, I don't see them getting selected.

    I know Robinson has been very good,  but it's only for one year. What kind of stuff does he have? Most teams don't put their best prospects in the pen. I can't see a GM getting excited unless he throws 98mph. He's very young to be eligible. 
    Devanney has been good only this year. He wasn't a highly touted prospect. I've got to believe that most teams have someone they think is better in the minors. I think his floor is eventually as a AAAA callup, like Reyes or Mathias. That has little value. . Of course some of those guys turn into Jace, who has more value. 

    Robinson’s stuff has long been seen as plus. Honestly, he spent three years at Rookie ball never posting an ERA below 5. If he didn’t have plus stuff he wouldn’t have survived the COVID purge. It was just a matter of putting it all together, which he has.

    Guys with huge fastballs also tend to get picked. Despite the injury, I think there is a better chance Uribe is taken in the top three picks than that he goes undrafted if he isn’t added.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    5 hours ago, Robocaller said:

    On one hand, I can see a GM going down the list and saying "I want three of these guys." Because they have some potential.
    On the other hand, GMs aren't just looking at the Brewers; they'd have to like our guy more than all the other available players from the other teams. Plus usually there aren't many players who get selected. 

    Turang is the only one that should definitely be protected.

    Richards and Uribe haven't been healthy; unless a GM has had a man-crush on them for years, I don't see them getting selected.

    I know Robinson has been very good,  but it's only for one year. What kind of stuff does he have? Most teams don't put their best prospects in the pen. I can't see a GM getting excited unless he throws 98mph. He's very young to be eligible. 
    Devanney has been good only this year. He wasn't a highly touted prospect. I've got to believe that most teams have someone they think is better in the minors. I think his floor is eventually as a AAAA callup, like Reyes or Mathias. That has little value. . Of course some of those guys turn into Jace, who has more value. 

    Robinson’s stuff has long been seen as plus. Honestly, he spent three years at Rookie ball never posting an ERA below 5. If he didn’t have plus stuff he wouldn’t have survived the COVID purge. It was just a matter of putting it all together, which he has.

    Guys with huge fastballs also tend to get picked. Despite the injury, I think there is a better chance Uribe is taken in the top three picks than that he goes undrafted if he isn’t added.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    15 hours ago, ARobsBrewCrew said:

    What you say is definitely fair, but I think you should check again on Robinson and Devanney.  This is not the first season in which either has impressed.  Also, I don’t know who Richards is :) 

    Ack! I meant Andrews, not Richards.

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Guest
    This is now closed for further comments

×
×
  • Create New...