The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, California concluded on Thursday with the annual Rule 5 Draft. The draft can provide a new opportunity for players who have not yet reached the major leagues, based on their age when originally drafted (four years for 19-year-olds and five for 18-year-olds). It’s typically been a popular way to acquire additional players for the Baltimore Orioles.
Teams were allowed to make selections based on the number of open spots they had on their respective 40-man rosters; the Orioles roster was at 38 so they could take a maximum of two players and that is what they did.