Get ready to mark your calendars, baseball fans, because the 2025 Rule 5 Draft is just around the corner, and the whispers have already begun. But here's the twist: while all eyes are on big names like Kyle Tucker, there's a whole underground buzz about the prospects who might just slip through the cracks and become the next big thing. And this is the part most people miss—the Rule 5 Draft isn't just about who's already in the spotlight; it's about uncovering hidden gems.
The Winter Meetings in Orlando are abuzz, but teams haven’t fully dived into the nitty-gritty of their Rule 5 strategies yet. Still, as the baseball world gathers, certain names are starting to surface. Let’s break it down for you—Rule 5 eligibility means these players aren’t on the 40-man roster but have been in the pros for at least four or five seasons, depending on their signing age. And this is where it gets controversial: some of these players might not be household names now, but they could be game-changers for the right team.
Here’s a sneak peek at 12 prospects to keep an eye on, based on insights from teams, agents, and MLB Pipeline experts. This list will evolve as we inch closer to the Draft, so stay tuned.
1. Cameron Cauley, Rangers, SS/OF/2B (No. 17)
Cauley is a jack-of-all-trades with speed and defensive versatility—two traits that can make an offensive player a Rule 5 darling. With a stolen-base success rate of nearly 87% and 28 steals last year, paired with 15 homers at Double-A, he’s a dual threat. Plus, his ability to play shortstop, outfield, and second base makes him a manager’s dream.
2. Liam Cerda, C
Catchers rarely stick in the Rule 5, but Cerda could be the exception. He smashed 18 homers in 93 Double-A games last year (yes, Amarillo’s hitter-friendly park helped), but his right-handed power, solid walk rates, and defensive skills behind the plate are hard to ignore. Is he the next Liam Hicks? The debate is on.
3. Brett Childers, RHP, Brewers
Childers, the son of a big leaguer, flew under the radar as a non-drafted free agent in 2023. But after splitting 2025 between Double-A and Triple-A, he’s turning heads. With a fastball touching 99 mph and a nasty breaking ball, he held hitters to a .176 average. Sure, his walk rate (5.6 BB/9) needs work, but his strikeout potential is undeniable.
4. Andrew McGarry, RHP, Phillies
McGarry’s premium stuff has always been there, but command has been his Achilles’ heel. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and his slider is a whiff machine (52% miss rate in 2025). The Phillies shifted him back to a starting role to refine his skills, and while his walk rate improved, it’s still a concern. Can he finally put it all together? The jury’s still out.
5. Hayden Mullins, LHP, Red Sox (No. 16)
Mullins could be the next Shane Smith—a Rule 5 starter who sticks. Despite a 13.8% walk rate at Double-A, he struck out 30% of batters faced, thanks to a 91-94 mph fastball and a wicked two-plane slider. Is he polished enough for the big leagues? That’s the million-dollar question.
6. Samy Natera Jr., LHP, Angels (No. 20)
Natera’s fastball-heavy approach (78.6% usage) and slider led to a 13.4 K/9 rate in 2025, though walks remain an issue (6.6 BB/9). What’s intriguing? His dominance against lefties (.160 BAA, .559 OPS-against). Could he be a specialist or more?
7. RJ Petit, RHP, Tigers (No. 30)
Standing at 6-foot-8, Petit is a towering presence with a 2.44 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings last year. His 83-85 mph slider is his bread and butter, but he also brings a mid-90s fastball and upper-80s changeup. Is he the next breakout reliever?
8. José Rodríguez, RHP
Rodríguez’s changeup is a thing of beauty—an 86-88 mph pitch with a unique delivery and huge extension. It had a 67.3% whiff rate at Triple-A last year. Pair that with a short slider and a high-90s sinker, and you’ve got a potential steal. But can he control the walks?
9. Alimber Santa, RHP, Astros (No. 13)
Santa, a 2025 Futures Game participant, transitioned to relieving in mid-2024 and finished with a 1.26 ERA at Triple-A. His full repertoire—mid-90s heater, changeup, and two breaking pitches—makes him intriguing, despite a 6.0 BB/9 rate. Is he the next bullpen star?
10. Mason Matos, RHP, Yankees
Matos is a high-risk, high-reward pick. The 6-foot-9 right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, but his two-plane slider and sinker-changeup-cutter combo are worth the wait. A full year of rehab could pay off big time.
11. Drew Susac, C, Royals
Susac, a 2022 first-rounder, had a breakout 2025 at Triple-A with 18 homers and an .832 OPS. His proximity to the majors and solid defensive skills make him a rare catching prospect who could stick. Is he the next big thing behind the plate?
12. Nick Watson, RHP, Giants
Watson, originally signed by the Orioles in 2020, reached Triple-A before being traded to the Giants. His 97 mph fastball and breaking stuff (40% miss rate) are electric, but his 10.3 hits/9 rate is a red flag. Can he clean up the command and become a dominant reliever?
Now, here’s the big question: Which of these prospects will defy the odds and make it in the big leagues? And which ones will fade into obscurity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
