10 Names to Watch in the MLB Rule 5 Draft
The Rule 5 Draft doesn’t carry the glitz of free agency or blockbuster trades, but for baseball diehards, it’s a yearly highlight. It’s the moment fringe prospects, overlooked arms, and roster crunch victims get a shot at a Major League leap. Others—like Johan Santana or Shane Victorino—make front offices look brilliant. This year’s pool has a few intriguing names worth a closer look.
Will Dion, LHP, Guardians
Credit: Instagram
Dion gets attention for more than just his arm. His pitching motion bears a striking resemblance to Clayton Kershaw’s, which may not help his fastball velocity, but it certainly gets people watching. What helps more is the 20 inches of horizontal break he gets on it.
Christian Cerda, C, D-backs
Credit: Instagram
Cerda’s offensive potential gives him a shot. He hit 18 home runs in Double-A and drew walks at an encouraging clip. Arizona’s home park may have helped his power numbers, but the pop is there. Add in decent receiving skills, and teams looking for backstop depth could take a swing.
Matt Pushard, RHP, Marlins
Credit: ebay
At 28, Pushard has a mid-90s fastball and a couple of breaking balls that play. Born and raised in Maine, he’s the oldest player on this list and maybe the closest to contributing right away. For teams that value readiness over raw upside, he’s a plug-and-play bullpen option.
Daniel Susac, C, Athletics
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Susac’s résumé looks polished. He was a first-round pick in 2022 and spent 2025 in Triple-A with 18 home runs and a .832 OPS. Offense like that is hard to find behind the plate. He won’t win any speed contests, but catch-and-throw consistency and experience help his case.
Hayden Mullins, LHP, Red Sox
Credit: Instagram
In Double-A, he punched out 30 percent of the batters he faced with a fastball that lives in the low 90s and a two-plane slider that stays unpredictable. Control is his issue—walks pile up fast—but teams might view Mullins as a high-upside reliever worth the risk.
RJ Petit, RHP, Tigers
Credit: Instagram
Petit stands 6-foot-8 and has the numbers to match the presence. He finished last season with a 2.44 ERA, 79 strikeouts, and just 1.06 WHIP over 66 innings. His slider is especially tough on righties and has been his go-to weapon.
Blake Burkhalter, RHP, Braves
Credit: Instagram
Burkhalter’s route has been uneven. He was a college closer, then a starter after Tommy John surgery, then back in the bullpen by Triple-A. His arsenal includes a fastball, cutter, curve, and a work-in-progress changeup. None of the pitches wow on their own, but he mixes well and keeps hitters off balance.
Cameron Cauley, INF/OF, Rangers
Credit: Instagram
He swiped 28 bags last year with a high success rate and hit 15 homers. More importantly, he plays shortstop, second, and center field. Utility guys who can run and defend often carve out bench jobs—and Cauley’s athleticism gives him a decent shot.
José Rodríguez, RHP, Dodgers
Credit: Instagram
Rodríguez has a changeup that might be too good for Triple-A. He disguises it with the same arm speed as his 97-mph sinker, which explains why it racked up a 67 percent whiff rate. The problem? Walks. Lots of them. But stuff like this usually gets chances.
Griff McGarry, RHP, Phillies
Credit: Instagram
McGarry’s name pops up every Rule 5 conversation for a reason—his stuff looks big-league ready. The fastball sits mid-90s, and the sweeper can make hitters miss entirely. The problem has always been walks. Even after some progress, he still handed out over five per nine.