With two spots open on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster, the Reds could be looking to upgrade their team through the Rule 5 Draft. The draft is held on the final day of the Winter Meetings and to some has zero impact on their club, but for others, it can be a game changer. Most teams search for backup catchers, relief help, a bat off the bench or unprotected prospects.
Here’s how it works. Any player on a team’s 40-man roster is protected, along with players signed at age 18 (for five seasons) and age 19 (for four seasons).