Imagine potentially losing some of your best young talent to rival teams – that’s the high-stakes game the New York Yankees, and every other MLB team, face as the 40-man roster deadline looms. November 18th at 6 PM is the critical time. This isn’t just a procedural matter; it’s about protecting future stars from being snatched away in the Rule 5 Draft scheduled for December 10th. The big question is: who will the Yankees shield, and who might slip through the cracks?
The Rule 5 Draft, according to MLB.com, is an annual event where teams can select unprotected players from other organizations. Think of it as a talent grab, but with specific rules. Here’s the gist: Players signed at 18 or younger have five years to be added to their team’s 40-man roster. Those signed at 19 or older get only four years. If a player isn’t protected within that timeframe, they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.
Selecting a player in the Rule 5 Draft isn’t free. Teams pay $100,000 for the privilege. But here’s the catch: the selecting team must keep that player on their 26-man roster for the entire season. If they can’t, or don’t want to, they have to offer the player back to their original team for $50,000. It’s a risk-reward scenario, a gamble on potential. And this is the part most people miss: it forces teams to truly evaluate their young talent and make tough decisions.
So, who are the Yankees potentially adding to their 40-man roster to avoid this very situation? Greg Joyce of the New York Post has identified seven minor league players who are considered likely candidates. Let’s break them down:
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Spencer Jones: OF, 24 years old. Jones is arguably the frontrunner. In 2025, he posted an impressive .274/.362/.571 slash line with a .933 OPS. His power earned him promotions from Double-A to Triple-A, and he’s even drawn comparisons to Aaron Judge due to his slugging ability. But here’s where it gets controversial… his strikeout rate is a concern. Can he refine his approach at the plate?
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Elmer Rodríguez-Cruz: RHP, 22 years old. Rodríguez-Cruz enjoyed a rapid ascent in 2025, moving from High-A to Triple-A. He finished the season with a stellar 2.58 ERA and has been clocked throwing a fastball as high as 98 mph. Power arms are always valuable, making him a prime candidate for protection.
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Chase Hampton: RHP, 24 years old. Hampton’s situation is more complex. A season-ending injury requiring Tommy John surgery sidelined him before the 2025 season even began. However, prior evaluations suggested that his potential ceiling might be even higher than that of current Yankees pitcher Will Warren. Back in 2024, he posted a 2.41 ERA and earned promotions from rookie ball to Double-A. The Yankees must weigh his long-term potential against his current injury status.
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Brock Selvidge: LHP, 23 years old. Selvidge, like Hampton, made a significant jump in 2025, advancing from rookie ball to Double-A. He concluded the regular season with a 4.68 ERA. His slider is considered his best pitch, and he relies on it heavily. Left-handed pitching is always in demand, adding to his appeal.
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Brendan Beck: RHP, 27 years old. Beck progressed from Double-A to Triple-A in 2025, finishing with a solid 3.36 ERA. Notably, he had an outstanding 1.59 ERA last season while pitching in rookie ball and High-A. His consistency makes him an intriguing option.
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Eric Reyzelman: RHP, 24 years old. Reyzelman spent the entire 2025 season with the SWB RailRiders, appearing in 34 games as a reliever and recording a 4.29 ERA. His role as a reliever could make him a valuable addition to the 40-man roster, providing bullpen depth.
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T. J. Rumfield: 1B, 25 years old. Rumfield also spent all of 2025 in Triple-A, slashing .285/.378/.447 with an .825 OPS. He hit 16 home runs and drove in 87 runs. His offensive production at first base could make him a valuable asset.
Beyond these roster decisions, the Yankees are also awaiting a response from free agent outfielder Trent Grisham regarding their $22 million qualifying offer. Most expect him to decline. This decision will further shape the Yankees’ offseason plans.
So, what do you think? Are the Yankees making the right calls? Which of these seven prospects are most deserving of a 40-man roster spot? And what other moves should the Yankees be considering this offseason? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to bookmark Yankees On SI for all the latest Yankees news, interviews, and analysis!