4 hidden gems the Reds could target during the Rule 5 Draft at the Winter Meetings

The Rule 5 Draft offers Major League teams the opportunity to make sneaky roster additions at the Winter Meetings. There's a caveat, however. In order to select a player in the Rule 5 Draft, teams must pay $100,000 to the player's previous organization and keep him on the 26-man active roster throughout the season.

Last winter, the Reds selected Cooper Bowman in the Rule 5 Draft but he was returned to the A's before Opening Day. The last Rule 5 draftee who broke camp with the Reds was Josh Hamilton back in 2006. Hamilton, however, was actually selected by the Chicago Cubs and then immediately traded to Cincinnati in a pre-arranged deal.

Suffice it to say, while the Rule 5 Draft can serve as a method to supplement the roster, it's rare that a player remains beyond spring training. But there are a handful of prospects available in this year's draft who could pique the Reds' interest.

Hayden Mullins, Red Sox pitching prospect

Given the Reds' lack of bullpen arms at this point in the offseason, it wouldn't be surprising to see Cincinnati take a flier (or two) on a reliever during this year's Rule 5 Draft. Hayden Mullins is a 25-year-old left-hander who posted a 2.21 ERA with a 30% strikeout rate in the Boston Red Sox's minor leagues last season. His 12.4% walk rate, however, might scare teams away.

RJ Petit, Tigers pitching prospect

Detroit Tigers' prospect RJ Petit is not as small as his name might suggest. In fact, at 6-foot-8, 300 pounds, Petit is a monster of a man. The righty has had success against both right-handed and left-handed hitters, something that could attract a number of teams in this year's Rule 5 Draft, including the Reds.

Yohendrick Pinango, Blue Jays outfield prospect

Though pitching is likely to be Reds' focus during the Rule 5 Draft, Cincinnati has a hole in the outfield and Toronto Blue Jays' prospect Yohendrick Pinango could fit into the team's long-term plans. Pinango posted a 13.1% walk rate in the minors last season and has a terrific eye at the dish (.361 OBP). The 23-year-old displayed some pop in 2025 as well with a 122 wRC+ to go along with 15 home runs.

Anthony Solometo, Pirates pitching prospect

This is a long-term play, as Anthony Solometo is unlikely to be available at the outset of the 2026 season. The 23-year-old suffered a shoulder injury after just three appearances in 2025 and could be stashed on the 60-day IL until he was able to begin a rehab assignment. The southpaw is a former second-round pick who signed with Pittsburgh for $2.8 million in 2021. It's a risky play, to be sure, but one that could pay dividends down the road.