Rule 5 Draft Update: Mets unlikely to add more than five prospects to 40-man roster

According to Paul DePodesta, the Mets' Vice President of Player Development and Scouting, the Mets are unlikely to add more than five players to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft on December 12. There are currently 36 players on the Mets’ 40-man roster, though some, like Omar Quintanilla and Scott Atchison, will likely be non-tendered, clearing up space for additional players to be added later on.

The Rule 5 draft allows teams to claim eligible players not on another team’s 40-man roster. The team that takes a player in the Rule 5 draft must keep the player on their 25-man roster for the entire season. The Mets appear to have at least three no-brainers eligible for the 40-man roster: Steven Matz, Jacob deGrom, and Jeff Walters.

The Mets will have more difficult decisions to make with a handful of other players. The team has some eligible pitchers who could help the Mets’ bullpen going forward, namely Chase Huchingson, Adam Kolarek, and Hamilton Bennett. Both outfielder Cory Vaughn and third baseman Aderlin Rodriguez may also merit consideration.

Last year, the Mets chose to add Zack Wheeler, Hansel Robles, Gonzalez Germen, Greg Burke, Darin Gorski, and Wilfredo Tovar before the deadline. The Mets would later outright Darin Gorski from the 40-man roster in March.

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