Minnesota's Recent Rule 5 Draft History is Mixed

[Cody Christie]

Every minor-league player is searching for a path to the big leagues. In recent years, the Twins have had mixed results with players acquired through the Rule 5 Draft.

Image courtesy of Tommy Gilligan, USA Today Sports (Wells), Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports (Baddoo)

Next week, the MLB Winter Meetings will take place in San Diego, and the Rule 5 Draft is part of the annual event. The opportunity is given to teams to select unprotected players from other organizations that meet specific criteria. 

Rule 5 Draft eligibility is tied to when a player first signed with their club. Players signed at 18 or younger must be added to the 40-man roster within five seasons. Players signed at 19 or older have four seasons before they must be protected. For this year's draft, high school or international picks signed in 2018 had to be added to the 40-man roster, and college players signed in 2019. 

There are also rules tied to the drafting of a player. During the MLB phase of the Rule 5 Draft, drafting clubs pay $100,000 to select a player. From there, the player has to stick on the team's 26-man roster for the entire season or be offered back to his former team for half the selection fee ($50,0000). Over the last decade, here are some of the players tied to the Twins through the Rule 5 Draft. 

Minnesota's Best Pick: Ryan Pressly
The Twins had the fourth overall pick in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft after finishing with 99 losses the previous season. There were plenty of holes to fill on the roster, so the Twins selected Ryan Pressly from the Red Sox organization. Pressly spent six seasons in the Twins organization and posted a 3.75 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP. He had an 8.0 K/9 and a 112 ERA+ before the Twins traded him to the Astros at the 2018 trade deadline. 

Pressly has gone on to have a tremendous career in Houston with multiple All-Star appearances and a World Series title. He provided plenty of value to the Twins before the trade, and both players acquired from Houston project to impact the 2023 roster (Gilberto Celestino and Jorge Alcala). Twins fans can play the "What if?" game with Pressly, but he likely wouldn't have reached the same level of success without moving to Houston. 

Minnesota's Worst Loss: Akil Baddoo
Baddoo was Minnesota's second-round pick one year before the current front office took over. He had shown some promise as a prospect, but he had played fewer than 30 games above the Low-A level, making it easier to leave him unprotected. The Tigers took him with the third overall pick in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, and he went on to have a tremendous rookie campaign. In 124 games, he hit .259/.330/.436 (.766) with 20 doubles, seven triples, and 13 home runs. He provided 2.1 WAR for a Tigers team that started moving in the right direction. 

From the Twins' perspective, losing Baddoo was challenging because the club desperately needed outfield depth during the 2021 campaign. Last season, Baddoo struggled at the big-league level as his OPS dropped to .558, and the Tigers sent him to Triple-A to find his swing. He posted a .905 OPS with 14 extra-base hits in 30 games, so there is some hope for him to return to his performance level from his rookie season. 

The Jury's Still Out: Tyler Wells
Minnesota left Wells unprotected in the same Rule 5 Draft as Baddoo, and Baltimore took him in the second round with the 17th overall pick. The Orioles used him as a reliever throughout the 2021 season, and he compiled a 4.11 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP and 10.3 K/9. Last season, the Orioles transitioned him to a starting role, and the results were mixed. In 23 starts (103 2/3 innings), he had a 4.25 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and a 76-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He ranked in the 59th percentile or higher in xBA, BB%, and chase rate. His fastball spin also is among the league's best, in the 93rd percentile. 

Baltimore was a surprise team in 2022, and Wells tied for the second-most starts on the team. He will continue to get opportunities to start in 2023, and he plans to focus on consistency and endurance to become part of Baltimore's long-term plan. 

The Rule 5 Draft can be challenging for teams to find big-league talent, but it's been nearly a decade since the Twins found a consistent big- league player. Do you think the Twins will regret losing Baddoo and Wells? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[Nashvilletwin]

Wells was a much bigger loss than Baddoo.

[Doctor Gast]

This FO doesn't really care much about the Rule 5 draft, where in past have done pretty well. It's where we obtained our only "ace" Johan Santana. This FO doesn't regret anything they do, they just continue to ignore it.

On the hand, it really bugs me to lose barely developed prospects for nothing. IMO it's like giving away unopened lottery tickets. Maybe it won't be the grand prize (Santana) but maybe it's something to help you get by.

 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Santana wasn't technically a Rule 5 pick by the Twins.  He was a Rule 5 pick for the Marlins, then the teams swapped R5 picks giving the Twins Santana..

The Twins have had some success pulling guys out of the draft:
Shane Mack
Scott Diamond
Ryan Pressly

They have also lost a little as well:
RA Dickey

This article is a few years old, but gives a nice overview of the Twins R5 history:
https://twinstrivia.com/twins-rule-5-draft-history/

[chpettit19]

If Akil Baddoo is your worst loss in the Rule 5 you're doing just fine. Is he still living in Twins fan's minds because of an other worldly first 3 months in 2021? Because he's been almost unplayable since June 2021. He had .3 WAR and a 65 OPS+ in 2022. That's who we're concerned about losing? Jake Cave had an 84 OPS+ last year. The league figured him out and he hasn't been able to adjust. Maybe he does eventually, but as of December 2nd, 2022 Akil Baddoo is not a major loss for the Twins.

[Blyleven2011]

Terry Ryan was always active in the rule 5 draft , mostly pitchers were selected and he had his fair share of success  ...

Current FO hasn't been as active  in the rule 5 draft other than protecting players who they think have promise in contributing to the MLB ...

Tyler wells was a loss for the twins because every team needs pitching  , pitching and more pitching  ...

[MTV]

32 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

They have also lost a little as well:
RA Dickey

To be fair, Dickey wasn’t successful in the majors until almost a decade after his debut.

[Blyleven2011]

Our current FO  has only claimed one player in the rule 5 draft since taking over  , 2017 Mckinney  from the marlins who pitched some games for the twins and was returned back to Miami  ... 

I guess they would rather spend the money on dumpster diving candidates  ...

[chpettit19]

12 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

Our current FO  has only claimed one player in the rule 5 draft since taking over  , 2017 Mckinney  from the marlins who pitched some games for the twins and was returned back to Miami  ... 

I guess they would rather spend the money on dumpster diving candidates  ...

As well they should. Rule 5 picks almost never turn out to be productive major leaguers. I don't get why fans make such a big deal of the Rule 5. 

Nolan Hoffman, Zach Matson, Andrew Young, Charles Leblanc, Conner Menez, Gabriel Rodriguez, Elvis Alvarado, Kenny Rosenberg, Alex Valverde, Grant Gavin, Erik Sabrowski, Matt Seelinger, Ronnie Dawson, Gabriel Maciel, John Nogowski, Tanner Kirwer, Ben DeLuzio, Abdiel Mendoza, Austin Lambright, Steven Jennings, Moises Castillo, Caleb Boushley, Ruben Garcia, Kekai Rios, Michael Gigliotti, Cole Uvila, Nic Laio, Curtis Taylor, Robert Garcia, Nick Kuzia, Carlos Ocampo, Brett Daniels, Vince Fernandez, Luis De Avila, Walking Cabrera, Carlos Guarate, Brian Keller, Manny Ramirez (not that one), Carson Fulmer, Jacob Gonzalez, Matt Brill, Cobie Vance, Allan Winans, Tommy Wilson, Jonah Davis, Jon Duplantier, Dakody Clemmer, Luarbert Arias, Tanner Andrews, Nelfri Contreras, Carlos Santiago.

How many of those guys have any of us even heard of? That was every rule 5 pick from last year. Are we sad the Twins lost out on that who's who of Major League talent?

[DJL44]

17 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Rule 5 picks almost never turn out to be productive major leaguers. I don't get why fans make such a big deal of the Rule 5. 

People love drafts. 

RE: Tyler Wells, the Twins decided to grab Ian Gibaut off waivers and keep him on the roster instead. That looks like a bad decision in hindsight.

[chpettit19]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

People love drafts. 

RE: Tyler Wells, the Twins decided to grab Ian Gibaut off waivers and keep him on the roster instead. That looks like a bad decision in hindsight.

Yeah, looks like they missed on that. I'd actually have switched Baddoo and Wells if I were forced to write this article and name a "worst loss" and "jury's still out" candidate. Wells has been a bigger loss than Baddoo who doesn't even look like a major leaguer at this point.

[Squirrel]

8 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Yeah, looks like they missed on that. I'd actually have switched Baddoo and Wells if I were forced to write this article and name a "worst loss" and "jury's still out" candidate. Wells has been a bigger loss than Baddoo who doesn't even look like a major leaguer at this point.

At the time, I didn't particularly like losing Baddoo, but, it was the correct choice given how many were ahead of Baddoo, so it was okay for me. But I really felt that losing Wells was the costly one. I think this article was slanted to get a rise out of those who were 'irate' at losing Baddoo.

[Brandon]

1 hour ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Santana wasn't technically a Rule 5 pick by the Twins.  He was a Rule 5 pick for the Marlins, then the teams swapped R5 picks giving the Twins Santana..

The Twins have had some success pulling guys out of the draft:
Shane Mack
Scott Diamond
Ryan Pressly

They have also lost a little as well:
RA Dickey

This article is a few years old, but gives a nice overview of the Twins R5 history:
https://twinstrivia.com/twins-rule-5-draft-history/

As I remember the trade for Santana was pre arranged before the rule 5 draft or the Twins would have just taken him.  The trade made the 100,000 cost go away.

the rule 5 is a crapshoot.  Some years you win others you don’t. It still feels weird being stung by the losses of Badoo and Wells.  
also we added Buscher in the minor league draft.  He contributed a bench bat in 2 seasons.

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

This FO doesn't really care much about the Rule 5 draft, where in past have done pretty well. It's where we obtained our only "ace" Johan Santana. This FO doesn't regret anything they do, they just continue to ignore it.

On the hand, it really bugs me to lose barely developed prospects for nothing. IMO it's like giving away unopened lottery tickets. Maybe it won't be the grand prize (Santana) but maybe it's something to help you get by.

 

The rules were changed years ago, and it just isn't as important as it was back in the day.

So much virtual ink spilled on this, given its actual impact in today's game.

As for the comments on the FO, well, never mind.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

So much virtual ink spilled on this, given its actual impact in today's game.

Very true.  But after I type this, I am going to go buy a lottery ticket and think about what may come....

[DJL44]

21 minutes ago, Brandon said:

It still feels weird being stung by the losses of Badoo and Wells.  

You have to have some serious problems with loss aversion to feel "stung" by losing Akil Baddoo.

[RJA]

2 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

How many of those guys have any of us even heard of? That was every rule 5 pick from last year. Are we sad the Twins lost out on that who's who of Major League talent?

I agree.  I think the attraction some people have for the Rule 5 draft is based on a lottery mentality.  Everyone knows they are going to lose, but the fact that maybe, just maybe, they will win big makes it impossible to resist.  I think fans reflect back on Pressley and Santana (yes, I know it was a trade) and dream on the possiblilities.  Human nature, methinks.

[gman]

I think the front office and most fans have driven on since these 2 rule 5 picks and could care less. Even those whose usual modus operandi is to hate on the coaching and front office couldn't really find much to say about Wells and Baddoo. Que sera sera.

[EGFTShaw]

This not back in the days for me, (hello TonyO, Killer and Rod) but it is 20+ years ago. 
 

do you think the marlins regret swapping???

Sorry about the Font size, on my phone 

from Wikipedia:

”After the 1999 major league season, Santana was left unprotected by the Houston Astros and eligible in the Rule 5 draft. The Minnesota Twins had the first pick that year, the Florida Marlins had the second. The Twins made a deal with the Marlins: the Twins would draft Jared Camp with their first pick and the Marlins would draft Santana. The teams would exchange the two players with the Twins receiving $50,000 to cover their pick”

[4twinsJA]

I really like the purpose of the Rule 5 draft, to give a player a chance that is buried in a team's minor league system to be on a MLB team. I feel Baddoo would not have even made the Twins MLB level 2 years ago, most likely would have spent the season in the minors. Good for him, he got an opportunity and had some success. Twins are not out much, have plenty of OFs, Baddoo not going to be an allstar.

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, 4twinsJA said:

I really like the purpose of the Rule 5 draft, to give a player a chance that is buried in a team's minor league system to be on a MLB team. I feel Baddoo would not have even made the Twins MLB level 2 years ago, most likely would have spent the season in the minors. Good for him, he got an opportunity and had some success. Twins are not out much, have plenty of OFs, Baddoo not going to be an allstar.

I also like the purpose. I wish they'd make A LOT more players eligible, frankly.

[Linus]

49 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I also like the purpose. I wish they'd make A LOT more players eligible, frankly.

I agree. Its one way to increase parity by giving blocked players a chance. 

[Brandon]

6 hours ago, DJL44 said:

You have to have some serious problems with loss aversion to feel "stung" by losing Akil Baddoo.

He had a solid season and can still turn it around and be good

[FlyingFinn]

Probably going out on a limb, but I'm guessing the Twins won't lose any players this year in the Rule 5 draft. Sisk could make me wrong.

[mikelink45]

Of course you should try RULE V!  Why not?  Here are the best choices in the last decade - https://www.mlb.com/news/best-rule-5-draft-picks-past-10-years

 

[gil4]

9 hours ago, MTV said:

To be fair, Dickey wasn’t successful in the majors until almost a decade after his debut.

His success wasn't too long after he was a rule-5 draftee.  He was one of the older guys selected in rule 5 - age 32. (Dec 2007)

But in March 2008,  the Twins technically received him back from Seattle and traded him to them instead. 

Then he came back to the Twins in Dec 2008.  After spending the 2009 season with the Twins, (33 innings in Rochester, 64 innings with the big club), he signed with the Mets that offseason.

With the Mets, he had two really good seasons (3.6 WAR each) followed by his Cy Young season in 2012.  

[Richie the Rally Goat]

On 12/2/2022 at 9:31 AM, Doctor Gast said:

This FO doesn't really care much about the Rule 5 draft, where in past have done pretty well. It's where we obtained our only "ace" Johan Santana. This FO doesn't regret anything they do, they just continue to ignore it.

On the hand, it really bugs me to lose barely developed prospects for nothing. IMO it's like giving away unopened lottery tickets. Maybe it won't be the grand prize (Santana) but maybe it's something to help you get by.

 

Twins traded for Johan. The marlins drafted him rule 5

[old nurse]

On 12/2/2022 at 10:04 AM, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Santana wasn't technically a Rule 5 pick by the Twins.  He was a Rule 5 pick for the Marlins, then the teams swapped R5 picks giving the Twins Santana..

The Twins have had some success pulling guys out of the draft:
Shane Mack
Scott Diamond
Ryan Pressly

They have also lost a little as well:
RA Dickey

This article is a few years old, but gives a nice overview of the Twins R5 history:
https://twinstrivia.com/twins-rule-5-draft-history/

Dickey was traded to Seattle after he was returned by Seattle. Nit picky, but as long as people are being that way about Santana, who the Twins couldn’t send down to the minors that year, I thought the more nits the merrier

[Doctor Gast]

8 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Twins traded for Johan. The marlins drafted him rule 5

Technically I'm wrong but indirectly I'm right that we got him as a result of the rule 5 draft. It was more creatively done, which I like to cling to.

[ashbury]

14 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Twins traded for Johan. The marlins drafted him rule 5

As near as I can piece together what must have happened, Florida with the second pick really wanted Jared Camp and was afraid Minnesota would snare him first.  So they must have offered Minnesota $50,000 to swap picks - except MLB doesn't allow trading of draft picks so they had to resort to this bit of chicanery, and they opted not to operate simply on a handshake and then pony up the $50K later in some fashion.  Kudos to Terry Ryan for keeping a good poker face and still getting the man they probably wanted in the first place.

I think it's completely fair to view Santana as Minnesota's actual rule-5 pick.