3 Reds prospects who should be protected from Rule 5 Draft, and 2 who should not

Time is running out for teams to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft, and the Cincinnati Reds are no exception. Held every December, the Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select certain players from opposing organizations if they're not part of the 40-man roster.

As such, players that fall into this category need to be added to a team's 40-man roster or the club risks losing them to another franchise. Last year, the Reds added Christian Roa, Jacob Hurtubise, and Blake Dunn to the 40-man roster. Which prospects will Cincinnati protect this offseason, and who doesn't need to be safeguarded from the Rule 5 Draft?

3 Reds prospects who should be protected from Rule 5 Draft

Tyler Callihan, Reds infielder

Tyler Callihan is enjoyed his time in the Arizona Fall League. A bat-first infielder, the Reds are attempting to turn Callihan into somewhat of utility player. The 24-year-old's previous experience has come mainly at second base, but Callihan saw plenty of time at first base and left field this season in the minor leagues. Callihan is all but a lock to be added to the Reds' 40-man roster.

Luis Mey, Reds pitcher

No one has improved their standing in the Reds' organization more than Luis Mey. Another AFL participant, the fireballer from the Dominican Republic came states-side in 2019. Control issues have consistently alluded the 23-year-old, but the stuff is too good to leave Mey off the 40-man roster.

Jose Acuña, Reds pitcher

If you're seeing a theme here, you're correct. Jose Acuña is another one of the Reds' AFL participants. Acquired in the Tyler Naquin deal a few years back, Acuña is very projectable starting pitcher. Walks have haunted the 22-year-old in the AFL, and a flexor strain limited Acuña's productivity this season. You can never have enough pitching, and Acuña could serve a similar role to what Reds fans saw from Carson Spiers in 2024.

2 Reds prospects who should not be protected from Rule 5 Draft

Austin Hendrick, Reds outfielder

The Reds would like a do-over after the disastrous mess they've made following the 2020 MLB Draft. Austin Hendrick was the Reds first-round pick that year and the Pennsylvania native has been a complete bust. Hendrick is a strikeout waiting to happen. Though there's plenty of power in that bat, no team is going to take a flier on Hendrick during the Rule 5 Draft, so there's no need to add him to the 40-man roster.

Andrew Moore, Reds pitcher

Unlike Hendrick, the Reds may still be able to salvage Andrew Moore. The right-hander was part of the Luis Castillo trade, and he has strikeout stuff. The problem is, like so many other relievers, Moore is quite erratic. The 32.2% strikeout rate is outstanding, but the 17.3% walk rate takes the air right out of the room. Moore should still be the Reds' long-term plans, but there's no need to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

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