Rule 5 Draft will represent an interesting Blue Jays storyline in the upcoming offseason

As the Toronto Blue Jays play out the string, the focus has shifted to 2025 and how the franchise can return to winning. A collection of young players is getting an extended look, and many are competing for roster spots next season. Another overlooked storyline is the upcoming Rule 5 Draft and how the club will approach it.

The Jays have several players eligible to be selected by other teams and added to their respective 40-man rosters. The front office must determine which ones to protect (and add to the 40-man) and who they can afford to lose. The Blue Jays can also select (provided they have room on the roster) an unprotected player from another team’s roster, although they haven’t done so since 2018. Previous Rule 5 success stories include Manny Lee, Kelly Gruber, and more recently, Joe Biagini.

Chad Dallas

In the early days of spring training, there was a buzz about the 2021 fourth-round pick. Dallas looked sharp at the onset of the exhibition season and was part of the perceived improved starter depth the club had assembled. Sure enough, the former University of Tennessee product started the year at Triple-A Buffalo, but injuries and poor performance marred his campaign.

The right-hander has gone 2-5 with a 6.21 ERA over 66.2 innings, with a 1.52 WHIP and 60 strikeouts. His strengths are his control and durability, although he’ll need to work to return to health and a move to the bullpen could be favorable.

Damiano Palmegiani

Like Dallas, Palmegiani was a prospect who could make his MLB debut this season if everything broke right. Unfortunately, after launching 47 home runs over the last two minor league seasons, the corner infielder has regressed in 2024. He has continued to show considerable power (19 homers) but has seen his average dip to .223 with a strikeout rate hovering around 30%.

Will Robertson

Robertson joined Palmegiani as the Blue Jays’ representatives in the Arizona Fall League and has had a similar season. The 2019 draft pick has flashed big-time power with a steady dose of swing-and-miss. The 26-year-old has hit .227 with 19 home runs, 67 RBI, and a .771 OPS. Considering his age and the number of outfield prospects in the system, the former Creighton star could get his best chance to play in the majors for another organization.

Connor Cooke

Cooke’s biggest claim to fame might be being named by several teammates as the player most likely to be able to dunk a basketball in a popular social media video at the onset of spring camp. The 2021 10th-round pick earned that distinction despite standing at 6-foot-1, so he has credible athletic ability. Unfortunately, that hasn’t translated to outstanding results on the mound, and the 24-year-old has gone 1-2, with a 4.80 ERA, with five saves over 30 frames.

Other notable Rule 5 eligible players

Riley Tirotta has shown an intriguing power-speed combo (15 HR, 13 SB) while moving from A-Ball to Triple-A this season. Hayden Juenger has been one of the most reliable relievers on the Bisons this season, and could be protected given the Jays’ need for bullpen arms. Eric Pardinho and Adrian Hernandez were signed as international free agents in 2017 but will surely be made available this winter.