The Rule 5 Draft will be held at the onset of the Winter Meetings this year. Each MLB team will get a chance to fill their 40-man roster with an unprotected prospect from an opposing club. The risky aspect to this particular draft is that the player that is chosen must be added to the team's 26-man roster, and they may only be released after a full season of play.
Due to these unpredictable circumstances, few teams take part in the Rule 5 draft on a year-to-year basis. In fact, the Rays haven't chosen a prospect from this draft since 2016, when they selected Nicaraguan pitcher, Kevin Gadea. This was an unsuccessful move, which may be a reason why the Rays haven't ventured down that route since then.
However, Tampa Bay currently holds only 38 players on their 40-man roster, making them eligible for the draft. To make matters more interesting, there is a plethora of talented players available. One of those prospects is first baseman/outfielder, Ryan Ward.
Ryan Ward
Ward was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2019 MLB draft and he's occupied a roster spot in their farm system ever since. Despite the great success throughout his minor league career, the Dodgers may not have an opening in the roster for the power-hitting infielder, due to their loaded clubhouse.
For that reason, the Bryant University product is a perfect candidate to be added to another team's roster in the Rule 5 Draft. The Rays could definitely benefit from his impressive bat, as he has crushed at least 20 home runs in the last four seasons.
The Massachusetts native also boosted his resume with Team USA during the WBSC Premier12 tournament. He received All-World team recognition after hitting five home runs in only nine games. If the Rays decide to trade Diaz, then Ward would be a solid replacement option.
Blaine Crim
A second potential Rule 5 Draft signing is Rangers minor league utility man, Blaine Crim. The Alabama native was drafted in the 19th round of the 2019 draft. The 29-year old has shown loads of potential the past few seasons, as he impressively surpassed 50 extra-base hits and 80 RBIs each year in Triple-A.
It is rather shocking Texas didn't choose to protect the power-hitting righty, especially as they've included Nathaniel Lowe in trade discussions. Regardless, any team would be lucky to acquire Crim and the Rays could certainly use him as another potential Yandy substitution.
Elison Joseph
Lastly, Dominican relief pitcher, Elison Joseph is another Rule 5 option for a club to bolster their bullpen. Joseph hurls a 60 grade fastball and slider which explained his 13.25 strikeouts/9 for Double-A Mississippi last season. The 23-year old may be seen to be too inexperienced for most organizations, but we believe that Kyle Snyder and company could certainly work with the unbelievable potential that this pitcher possesses.
The most notable Rule 5 draft picks in MLB history are Mark Canha, Anthony Santander, and outfielder, Connor Joe. We're hoping that the Rays can strike gold this year if they decide to take a chance in the Rule 5 Draft.