Each December, the Rule 5 Draft allows teams with a vacancy on their roster to select certain players from another franchise who are not on that team’s 40-man roster. The Cincinnati Reds have used the Rule 5 Draft to their advantage in the past, but it’s also important for team’s to protect players from being poached by other organizations.
There are some specific rules that govern the Rule 5 Draft. According to MLB.com, players who signed with their current club at age 18 or younger and have played professionally for at least five years are eligible to be selected, as are those who signed at 19 or older and have at least four years of professional experience.