Introduction

Newly hired Colorado Rockies general manager Josh Byrnes stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday as the team held the top pick in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft in Orlando. This marks an important test for Byrnes as he looks to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

2025 Rule 5 Draft Highlights

The Rule 5 Draft kicked off at 2 p.m. ET and saw a total of 15 players selected. Notably, the Chicago White Sox were the only team to select two Rule 5 prospects, while 18 teams ultimately chose not to make any selections.

This draft allows clubs with open spots on their roster to acquire eligible players from other MLB or minor league rosters. Teams had a deadline of November 18 to protect eligible players by adding them to their 40-man rosters.

Reflecting on previous drafts, only three players from the 2024 Rule 5 Draft remained with their teams throughout the 2025 season: Shane Smith of the White Sox, Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins, and Angel Bastardo of the Toronto Blue Jays. These success stories set a high bar for teams participating in this year’s draft.

As Byrnes embarks on his journey with the Rockies, his selections and strategies in the Rule 5 Draft will be closely monitored by both fans and analysts alike.