Cubs Minors: Three prospects team should consider in the Rule 5 draft

This year’s Rule 5 draft poses to be an interesting affair. The Cubs have a few open roster spots and a lot of intriguing talent from which to choose.

One of the most unique avenues existing in baseball, as well as one of the more underrated is the Rule 5 draft. Each December the draft rolls back around, giving organizations like the Cubs an opportunity to add talent to their respective ranks. As the age-old idiom goes – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

The likelihood of finding an impact player in the realm of this avenue is small. It does however, happen. Former starting pitcher and ace Johan Santana is the coup de grâce and platinum standard of Rule 5 picks who went on to enjoy a successful career. Josh Hamilton, who himself experienced a rollercoaster of a career, is another example.

The Cubs 40-man roster sits at 37 after the additions of right-handed pitchers Cory Abbott and Keegan Thompson, and infielder Christopher Morel. All three were Rule 5 eligible this year. Newest figurehead Jed Hoyer now has decisions to make regarding the three open roster spots. Thankfully the pot from which to pick is full of potential surprises.