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Lost in the middle of the Chicago Cubs' pursuit of Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker was the fact that the Rule 5 draft was set to place on Wednesday at the Winter Meetings.
With the Cubs looking to contend in 2025, there wasn't an expectation that they would utilize their selection in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft. As a refresher, a player selected in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft must stay on a team's 26-man roster for the entire season, or they will be returned to the organization they were selected from. Teams can also work out trades involving said player to find a way around that requirement.
That is why there is some surprise that the Cubs used their selection as they selected third baseman Gage Workman from the Detroit Tigers.
The Cubs select 3B Gage Workman, Tigers. Didn't see that one coming. He had a very good year for Double-A Erie this year and is a good defender.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) December 11, 2024
Mariners pass.
Royals pass.
The Cubs' Rule 5 Draft selection may hint at a trade approaching.
The Cubs taking a third baseman is notable. One of the key players believed to be involved in the Cubs' potential package to the Astros is third baseman Isaac Paredes. If Paredes is moved in the trade for Tucker, it's believed that Matt Shaw would get the first look at third base for the Cubs in 2025. In that scenario, the Cubs may see Workman as a defensive-minded third baseman to have on the bench while Shaw continues his development at the Major League level.
Gage also has a connection to Craig Counsell as he was selected originally by the Milwaukee Brewers in 14th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Gage decided to return to school before being selected by the Tigers in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.
Workman had an impressive 2024 campaign with the Tigers' Double-A affiliate. In 556 plate appearances, Workman slashed .280/.366/.476 with 18 home runs.