The Cleveland Guardians are in the midst of a great season that might even exceed the wins output of 2022, when they accumulated 92 victories.
However, a truly exceptional organization is always looking ahead at the future, and the Guardians are no exception.
It’s never too early to take a look at what the Rule 5 Draft in December will mean for the organization.
Reporter Guardians Prospective, who specializes on Guardians prospects and minor leagues, posted a list with the names who will become eligible to be selected in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft if they are not protected in the 40-man roster.
The list contains several enticing names that could leave the organization if left unprotected.
“Cleveland #Guardians full complete list of current players eligible to be selected in the 2024 MLB Rule 5 Draft held in December on the second to last day of the winter meetings. – Players need to be added to the 40-man roster after the MLB season ends to be protected,” he posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians full complete list of current players eligible to be selected in the 2024 MLB Rule 5 Draft held in December on the second to last day of the winter meetings.
– Players need to be added to the 40-man roster after the MLB season ends to be protected.… pic.twitter.com/KAFg4dbMGE
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 13, 2024
Spots on the 40-man roster are scarce and extremely valuable, so teams always think twice about protecting a prospect or leaving him available for other teams to draft.
There are several players who could become future major leagues on this list, most notably right-hander Franco Aleman.
Aleman, 24, has a big frame and 32 strikeouts in 21.1 innings in Triple-A this year.
They come with a 2.11 ERA.
Aaron Davenport boasts a rock-solid 2.88 ERA in 137.1 frames in Double-A Akron, while Ryan Webb has a 2.67 mark in six Triple-A starts.
Both are promising arms, as is Doug Nikhazy.
There are still multiple weeks to go until that point, but there could be some really tough decisions to make in Cleveland.
NEXT: Guardians Lose Series Opener Against Rays
