Ready to uncover some hidden gems? The Rule 5 Draft is a unique opportunity for teams to snag promising players from other organizations. While the buzz around the Winter Meetings might be focused on big names, the Rule 5 Draft always has its own set of intriguing prospects. Let's dive into some names that could be on the move in the upcoming 2025 Rule 5 Draft. But first, a quick refresher on the rules:
Players are eligible if they weren't on their team's 40-man roster but were signed at age 19 or older and have been in pro ball for four seasons or more, or if they were signed at 18 or younger and have been in pro ball for five seasons or more.
Here's a look at some of the players to watch, compiled from team insights, agent perspectives, and MLB Pipeline staff, and will be updated as we get closer to the Draft. Note: Team prospect rankings are in parentheses.
Cameron Cauley, Rangers, SS/OF/2B (No. 17)
Cauley's combination of speed and defensive versatility makes him an attractive Rule 5 prospect. With a career stolen-base success rate of nearly 87 percent and 28 stolen bases last year while hitting 15 homers at Double-A, he brings both offensive and defensive value. The 2021 third-round pick has also proven he can play multiple positions.Luis Cerda, C, Marlins
Catchers who make it through the Rule 5 are rare, but Cerda's power could make him an exception. He hit 18 home runs in 93 Double-A games last year, showing right-handed power, good walk rates, and solid defense behind the plate.Jacob Childers, RHP, Brewers
Childers, son of a former big leaguer and nephew of another, was a non-drafted free agent find. He split the 2025 season between the top two levels of the Minors, saving nine games and striking out 9.5 per nine innings. His fastball has touched 99 mph, and his breaking stuff can miss bats.Mick Abel, RHP, Phillies
McGarry has shown impressive potential since his college days, but command has been a challenge. His fastball sits at 94 mph and can reach the upper 90s, and his slider had a 52 percent miss rate in 2025. The Phillies moved him back to a starting role to work on his command, which improved, though his walk rate was still 5.3 per nine innings.Hayden Mullins, LHP, Red Sox (No. 16)
Mullins might be the best candidate to get a chance to start among those eligible. A 13.8 percent walk rate at Double-A could be a concern, but he also struck out 30 percent of batters faced, generating swings and misses with his fastball and slider.Samy Natera Jr., LHP, Angels (No. 20)
Natera relies heavily on his fastball, throwing it 78.6 percent of the time. This approach led to a 13.4 K/9 rate in 2025, although he also had a 6.6 BB/9 rate. His .160 BAA and .559 OPS-against versus left-handed hitters are particularly interesting.RJ Petit, RHP, Tigers (No. 30)
The 6-foot-8 Petit is coming off a year with a 2.44 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. He relies on his slider, getting swings and misses from both right-handed and left-handed hitters. He also has a mid-90s fastball and a changeup.Carlos Rodríguez, RHP, Brewers
Rodríguez's changeup alone makes him worth watching. He sells his changeup well with a unique delivery and similar arm speed to his sinker. His changeup had a 67.3 percent whiff rate at Triple-A last year, and his slider also generated a lot of swings and misses (along with a high walk rate).Alimber Santa, RHP, Astros (No. 13)
A 2025 Futures Game participant, Santa moved from starting to relieving. He finished the season with a 1.26 ERA and finished the year at Triple-A at age 22. He has walked 6.0 per nine innings but struck out 11.3, and teams might be interested in his full repertoire.Sean Sullivan, RHP, Rockies
This would be a take-and-stash scenario. The 6-foot-9 right-hander had Tommy John surgery, so a team could let him rehab before deciding if he's worth keeping. His slider is his go-to pitch, and he also throws a sinker, changeup, and cutter.Blake Susac, C, Athletics
A first-rounder in 2022, Susac had career highs in several offensive categories in Triple-A in 2025. His proximity to the big leagues and solid catching skills could make him a rare catcher to stick in the majors.Spencer Watson, RHP, Giants
Originally signed by the Orioles, Watson reached Triple-A before being traded to the Giants. He spent the 2025 season with Triple-A Sacramento, saving nine games and striking out 11.4 per nine innings. He throws a fastball that can reach 97 mph.
And this is the part most people miss... The Rule 5 Draft is a gamble. Teams have to decide if they're willing to keep a player on their active roster all season, or they risk losing them.
What do you think? Which of these players do you think has the best chance to make an impact in the majors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
