It’s Tuesday, Nov. 19: it means that teams have until 6pm EST to add eligible players to the 40-man roster with the intention of protecting them from being taken in the Rule-5 Draft.
When they reach a specific time in a minor league system, prospects need to be added to the 40-man roster or else they can be taken by other organizations in the aforementioned Draft.
The Cleveland Guardians have several players, mostly pitchers, with the potential of being selected and precious few roster spots.
They could make some trades in order to open up more spots to protect some of their prospects.
Team insider Guardians Prospective explained the current situation.
“For me the only 100% lock for Tuesday to be protected is RHP relief prospect Franco Aleman. Other players that could possibly be protected if the organization free’s up more 40-man spots. Roster currently at 39. (In order from top to bottom): LHP Doug Nikhazy, LHP Ryan Webb, RHP Allan Hernandez, RHP Nic Enright, LHP Andrew Misiaszek, RHP Aaron Davenport,” he posted on X.
For me the only 100% lock for Tuesday to be protected is RHP relief prospect Franco Aleman.
Other players that could possibly be protected if the organization free's up more 40-man spots. Roster currently at 39.
(In order from top to bottom)
LHP Doug Nikhazy
LHP Ryan Webb… https://t.co/R1byjZw3bM— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 19, 2024
Aleman is a relief pitching prospect with big stuff and the potential to be dominant.
He is 24, has a big frame and an excellent fastball-slider combination.
He can easily contribute to the Guardians next year and add to that already filthy bullpen.
In 22.2 Triple-A innings this past season, he posted a 1.99 ERA and 34 punchouts.
If the team manages to add more roster slots (via trades or by designating someone for assignment), you could see Webb or Nikhazy being protected.
The day will probably be a busy one for president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti.
NEXT: Guardians Star Reliever Finishes Fifth In Rookie Of The Year Race
