Thanks Ash for clearing the air on Graterol Alcala is another player whose Rule 5 status has been debated Birthday: July 28, 1995 Signed: December 3, 2014 Houston Astros signed free agent RHP Jorge Alcala to a minor league contract. I believe the following earns him another year of Rule 5 freedom: (1) A player without previous Major or Minor League service who signs with a Major League or independent Minor League Club shall be subject to selection based on the following: (A) if 18 years of age or under on the June 5 immediately preceding the player’s signing, the player shall be subject to selection at the fifth Rule 5 Selection Meeting that follows the signing date of the player’s first Major or Minor League contract, unless Rule 5©(1)© applies; ( if 19 years of age or over on the June 5 immediately preceding the player’s signing, the player shall be subject to selection at the fourth Selection Meeting that follows the signing date of the player’s first Major or Minor League contract, unless Rule 5©(1)© applies; also from THE OFFICIAL PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL RULES BOOK.