Before the Royals make moves to fill out their major league lineup, they have some decisions to make regarding their 40-man roster. Friday is the deadline for teams to add minor leaguers to their roster to protect them from next month’s Rule 5 Draft.
For those unfamiliar with that draft, there’s a brief summary at this link. Other teams can bring a minor leaguer into their organization if said player is not on his current organization’s 40-man roster, and has played professionally for four or five years, depending on his age when signed.
Any player who is taken in the Rule 5 must remain on their new club’s big league roster for the entire season.