The 2025 MLB Rule 5 Draft is scheduled for Wednesday in Orlando, Florida, offering teams a chance to select unprotected players. The Colorado Rockies hold the first pick due to their worst 2025 record of 43-119. Several prospects, including outfielder Jud Fabian and pitcher Blake Burkhalter, are generating buzz ahead of the event.
Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings feature the Rule 5 Draft as a key event, allowing teams to select players not protected on 40-man rosters. This year's draft takes place on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET in Orlando, Florida, and will stream live on MLB.com. The selection order follows the reverse of the 2025 standings, with the Colorado Rockies picking first after their 43-119 season, followed by the Chicago White Sox (60-102), Washington Nationals (66-96), Minnesota Twins (70-92), and Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91).
The Rule 5 Draft protects against talent hoarding, requiring teams to add players to their 40-man roster after a certain period. Eligible players include those who turned pro at age 18 or younger in 2021 or age 19 or older in 2022, if unprotected. Selecting teams pay $100,000 and must keep the player on their active 26-man roster for the 2026 season, with options to return them if needed.
Notable prospects include Jud Fabian, an outfielder from the Baltimore Orioles, known for his power and patience but high strikeout rates in Triple-A. Phillies right-hander Griff McGarry features mid-90s velocity but command issues, walking nearly 15% of batters in Double-A. Braves pitcher Blake Burkhalter, post-Tommy John surgery, offers an average arsenal with vertical movement and is likely to be selected.
Other candidates are Royals left-hander Frank Mozzicato, who has struggled with command; Rockies outfielder Benny Montgomery, hitting .201 in Double-A; Marlins right-hander Matt Pushard, a 28-year-old with mid-90s fastball; Blue Jays infielder Josh Kasevich, limited by back issues but strong contact skills; Red Sox left-hander Hayden Mullins, striking out over 10 per nine but with walk problems; Orioles right-hander Cameron Weston, a sidearmer with multiple pitches; and Guardians left-hander Will Dion, noted for his Kershaw-like delivery.
Additional buzz surrounds Blue Jays outfielder Yohendrick Pinango, Braves' Blake Burkhalter, Red Sox's Yordanny Monegro, Marlins' Zach McCambley, Angels' Samy Natera Jr. and Jared Southard, and Yankees' Harrison Cohen. Last year's successes included White Sox pitcher Shane Smith, who made the All-Star Game, and Marlins' Liam Hicks. Historically, standout picks like Johan Santana and Shane Victorino emerged from the draft.