NOTE: There was recently some discussion about the Rule 5 Draft, so we will discuss it right about now. On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, teams must add eligible minor leaguers to their 40-man rosters or risk losing them in the Rule 5 Draft by 5 p.m. CT.
Every December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a full 40-man roster to select certain non-40-man roster players from other clubs. Clubs draft in reverse order of the standings from the previous season. Players signed at age 18 or younger need to be added to their club’s 40-man roster within five seasons, or they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Players who signed at age 19 or older need to be protected within four seasons.
Not every club will make a selection, but those that do pick a player must pay $100,000 to the club from which said player was selected. Rule 5 Draft picks are assigned directly to the drafting club’s 26-man roster and must be placed on outright waivers in order to be removed from the 26-man roster in the subsequent season. Should the player clear waivers, he must be offered back to his previous team for $50,000 and can be outrighted to the Minors only if his original club does not wish to reacquire him. A Rule 5 Draft pick can be placed on the Major League injured list, but he must be active for a minimum of 90 days to avoid being subject to the aforementioned roster restrictions in the next campaign.
Clubs may trade a player selected in the Rule 5 Draft, but the same restrictions apply to the player’s new organization. However, a club may also work out a trade with the Rule 5 pick’s original club to acquire his full rights, thereby allowing him to be optioned to the Minors under traditional circumstances. — That was taken directly from MLB’s site.
The Dodgers are in danger of losing some players to Rule 5 because of the depth of their farm system. Last year, they lost Gus Varland to Milwaukee, but he did not do well with the Brewers and was returned to the Dodgers later. He is still in the Dodgers’ system and still Rule 5 eligible, along with a plethora of other Dodgers. Here are the most notable Dodger Prospects eligible for Rule 5:
- Yusniel Diaz
- Carlos Duran
- Hunter Feduccia
- Nick Frasso
- Yenier Fernandez
- Alex Gamboa
- Edgardo Henriquez
- Kyle Hurt
- Landon Knack
- Jose Ramos
- John Rooney
- Jerming Rosario
- Gus Varland
- Mark Washington
- Kendall Williams
There are a couple dozen more players who are eligible, but there is virtually no chance they will be taken because they are not advanced enough to be able to be stashed on an MLB Roster. A couple are coming off of Tommy John Surgery (Duran and Henriquez) and have not pitched for a year. The players I think are most likely to be taken and, therefore, need to be added to the 40-man roster are the following players:
- Hunter Feduccia
- Nick Frasso
- Kyle Hurt
- Landon Knack
- Gus Varland
- Kendall Williams
Yesterday, the Dodgers announced their full list of option decisions, including the previously reported news that the club options on Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, and Alex Reyes were all declined. Los Angeles also declined Daniel Hudson’s $6.5MM club option for the 2024 season, but the team is exercising its club option on reliever Blake Treinen. Treinen’s club option is allegedly $1MM.The Dodgers could also non-tender Yency Almonte and Ryan Yarbrough.
J.P. Feyereisen should also be ready to go by Spring Training, thus strengthening the bullpen. The bullpen is not a point of worry, although Shelby Miller could move on, as could Ryan Brasier. Today is the day the Dodgers decide whether to offer JDM the Qualifying Offer. For the record, I would do it. Why wouldn’t they? If he takes it, you can keep him or trade him after May, and if he doesn’t, you get a draft pick. I’d rather pay him $20 Million than pay Ohtani $450 Million!
At any rate, the show is about to start, and I see Michael Wacha and Sean Manaea as intriguing turnaround options. Let the Show begin!
Discussion (14)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Here’s a link. Interesting stuff.
And let’s not forget how the Dodgers took care to sign the Korean pitching prospect too.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-11-06/dodgers-japanese-star-shohei-ohtani-roki-sasaki
Some folks here, I think, question the significance of the international market in how it may shape the Dodgers pursuit of free agents.
Here’s something I just was from the LA Times:
“The Dodgers’ first significant offseason acquisition was announced on Halloween morning last week, hours before Game 4 of the World Series. It didn’t draw attention around the industry. It didn’t include a player or a member of the coaching staff. But it was an indication of the Dodgers’ plans.
Lorenzo Sciarrino was rejoining the organization as senior vice president for global partnerships. Sciarrino, who previously spent 12 years with the Dodgers, was hired away from WME Sports to head the franchise’s “global sponsorship department, supervising and engineering franchise partnerships with businesses domestically and internationally.”
It is not a coincidence the Dodgers made this move two days before Shohei Ohtani officially became a free agent and before Yoshinobu Yamamoto posts to join a Major League Baseball team in the coming weeks.
The Dodgers are considered a favorite to acquire at least one of those players this offseason. Hiring Sciarrino signals the Dodgers’ plan to maximize revenue — for the organization and player — if they sign one. But Ohtani and Yamamoto aren’t the only Japanese stars on the team’s radar.
The Dodgers devoted considerable time to scouting pitching sensation Roki Sasaki this year, hopeful at one point the right-hander would be posted this winter, according to people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly. Sasaki, however, is not expected to be available for MLB clubs this offseason.
Sasaki’s looming jump to the United States could have implications on the Dodgers’ choices this winter. It could, for example, discourage them from committing to a top-tier starting pitcher other than Ohtani in free agency.
There’s also an understanding that Japanese stars often prefer not to play on the same major league clubs as other Japanese stars. Ultimately, would signing Ohtani or Yamamoto prevent a pursuit of Sasaki? The answer is unclear….
My preference is for LAD to add pitching via the trade market for three reasons:
1. Burnes, Glasnow and Bieber represent the type of front line starters we desperately need.
2. It buys an additional year of development for our young starters so the front office can better project longterm pitching needs.
3. Depending how the young core (pitching) develop, the LAD can bridge themselves to a richer FA class containing Cole (if he opts out), Wheeler, Burnes, Woodruff, Glasnow, Buehler, Fried and Bieber.
Of course, JDM could still come back to the Dodgers. He wanted to be here and likely still does. He is Plan B.
Flaherty and Giolito are on the Dodger’s radar as are Yamamoto and Imanaga (who is LH). The Dodgers could sure use a LHP… even if he is a #3 like Imanaga would be.
Then there is Burnes…
Milwaukee is officially re-building.
Councell hired by the Cubs and Ross cut loose. Vogt gets the Cleveland job and Mendoza is taking over the Mets. He was the Yankees bench coach. You can forget about AF targeting any of those guys who got a QO except Ohtani. AF hates giving up draft picks. Garver not given a QO by the Rangers.
All options except Treinen’s declined.
Only 7 players received QOs this year
Otani
Snell
Hader
Bellinger
Aaron Nola
Chapman
Sonny Gray
No Qualifying Offer to JD Martinez or to Clayton Kershaw.
DODGERS TO HOST MILITARY HEROES AT ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
Chris Taylor to appear at event presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers will host approximately 350 pre-selected active-duty service members of our nation’s United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force and veterans and their families on Friday, November 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Dodger Stadium for a special Veterans Day batting practice event.
“Every year we look forward to honoring the dedication and sacrifice made by American veterans and their families,” said Kristin McCowan, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs for the Dodgers. “This year, we are reminded of the significance of the commitment that so many people make to serve our country every day. When that service concludes, they are still owed our gratitude. The Los Angeles Dodgers Veterans Day event, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), is just one small way to show our continued appreciation.”
Military members will enjoy a rotation of activities, including batting practice, photo opportunities with the 2020 World Series trophy, tours of Dodger Stadium, and activations in the Centerfield Plaza and bullpen. As part of the program, Dodger outfielder and 2023 Roberto Clemente Award nominee Chris Taylor will take part in a Q & A session hosted by SNLA’s Kirsten Watson. Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley, alongside his father, Billy Ashley Sr., who is a former United States Marine Corps Sergeant who served in the Vietnam War, will welcome the group and give guests pointers during their batting practice. Dodger great Steve Yeager will also be in attendance to greet guests. The Dodgers and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will be presented an award by the United States Marines 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, for their recognition and work with veterans in Los Angeles.
“The L.A. Dodgers have been a tremendous partner in recognizing the different people and communities that make Los Angeles so rich in culture, diversity, and experience. We are proud to join the Dodgers once again in honoring our nation’s veterans with a day at the ballpark, specially designed and dedicated to them,” said Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. “On Veterans Day and every day, LACDMH remains committed to providing mental health services and resources to L.A. County’s veterans and their families through our Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN). Led by veterans for veterans, LACDMH’s VPAN is a community-driven support network that provides those who served with hope, well-being, and a greater quality of life.”
WHO: Billy Ashley, Dodgers Alumnus
Rhonda Higgins, Division Chief, LACDMH Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN)
Kristin McCowan, Senior Director, Dodgers Government and Community Affairs
Chris Taylor, Dodgers outfielder
Kirsten Watson, SportsNet LA Reporter
Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Steve Yeager, Dodgers Alumnus
WHEN: Friday, November 10
11:00 a.m. Welcome and introductions
11:10 a.m. U.S. Marines to present award to the Dodgers and LACDMH
11:12 a.m. National Anthem performed by U.S. Navy Chief Monique Staples and Color Guard by U.S. Air Force Edwards Air Force Base Honor Guard
11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Chris Taylor Q&A with Kirsten Watson and military members above the Dodger dugout
12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Lunch/Rotating stations (batting practice, stadium tours, photos, Centerfield Plaza activities)
3:00 p.m. Program ends
The Dodgers honor military personnel and veterans year-round with initiatives including the Military Hero of the Game on-field recognition that takes place during each Dodger home game. For details on the Dodgers’ military programs and ticket promotions, please visit here.
Steve Phillips said this morning he would offer JD a qualifying offer even though they are expected to pursue Ohtani. He said if they do sign Ohtani they could then try and trade JD. that will give them a fallback if Ohtani signs elsewhere though it’s possible JD doesn’t accept the QO. Although the Dodgers have interest in Japanese pitcher, some think they may pursue Giolita . After all they fix every pitcher they sign. I would not break the bank for Ohtani, but I would be very involved for his services. That bat would sure look good in the 3 or 4 slot. Then they could move Muncy down to 5 or 6 spot. I think they could put Lux back in that 9 spot, that would be great! When Lux leads off an inning, you would have Mookie, Freddie, Ohtani, and Will all in a row! Good luck opposing pitchers!
Counsel not going back to the Brewers but according to MLB TradeRumors he’s going to a team that currently doesn’t have a vacancy.
Where does he go? Look at the Marlins job with reports Schumacher is unhappy with Kim
Ng being let go. Schumacher then goes to the Padres??
Interesting!
Here’s what we can’t forget about some relievers: It takes a long time… sometimes… many times.
Remember Grant Holmes? The Dodgers took him in the 2014 draft. Oakland picked him up in 2016 and he bounced around their system until 2022, when the Braves picked him up.
Last year, he was the closer for Gwinnett and was perfect in 13 opportunities. He pitched 61 innings in 50 games and struck out 74 with a 3.54 ERA. He will be 28 next season, and right now the Braves are discussing whether to put him on the 40-man roster to protect him in Rule 5.
This is why I say “stats” are only a small part of player evaluation. What are the underlying facts and circumstances behind the stats? For example, what happened to Diego Cartaya? By all statistical analysis, he regressed, but if you watch him, you will be WOWED by his tools. There’s a story here and I certainly do not know what it is, but there is a story behind the statistics.
I mean, it could be a parent who is battling cancer, a girlfriend who dumped the player, or a mental health issue. Here’s an example of a sad case I am close to:
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2023/03/30/baseball-phenom-13-dies-by-suicide-his-parents-say-he-was-bullied/70034098007/
I am not saying that any of this applies to Diego, but when you watch him play, you are incredulous at how good he looks. There’s more to this story. This game is played by people… not statistics!
As of right now the Dodgers 40 man roster has 36 players. In order to clear enough space for the 6 listed 2 more would need to be dfa’d or non tendered. Most likely would be Almonte , Yarbrough , Varland and Bryan Hudson.
None of the nominated Dodgers won Gold Gloves. Mookie lost out to Tatis Jr, and Kim as the utility guy.