Every year, the MLB Rule 5 Draft brings a conclusion to the winter meetings, and often, the Yankees lose a couple of prospects to other clubs. This year was no exception, as the Yankees saw a handful of interesting talents selected by their rivals.
As a refresher, players who signed at age 18 or earlier and haven’t been added to their team’s 40-man roster within five years are vulnerable in the Rule 5 Draft, while players who signed at age 19 or later must be added to the 40-man within four years to be protected. Teams like the Yankees, who hold a fairly deep farm system but also a packed 40-man roster, are prime targets to lose prospects in the Rule 5.