The 2024-25 MLB offseason is already under threat from labor unrest, with a lockout expected to begin at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. This potential stoppage puts the Rule 5 Draft in jeopardy, a process that was entirely skipped during the 2021-22 lockout. Despite the uncertainty, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow stated at the GM Meetings that the organization is “operating as though that would go on as normal,” signaling an intent to prepare for all possible scenarios.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Time is running out for Boston to secure its future assets. Teams must add eligible players to their 40-man roster by Nov. 17 to shield them from being selected by rival clubs in the draft. The Red Sox currently have a list of borderline candidates requiring protection, including Mikey Romero, Blake Wehunt, Brooks Brannon, Hayden Mullins, Johanfran Garcia, Braiden Ward, Angel Bastardo, and Yordanny Monegro. Failure to protect these players could result in losing valuable depth to other franchises for a mere $100,000.
Among the group, Mikey Romero stands out as a particularly high-value target for opponents. Known as a “massive human” with elite physical tools, Romero is ranked No. 18 on the organization’s prospect list by Baseball America. He is closely followed by Blake Wehunt at No. 19 and Angel Bastardo at No. 15. Bastardo, who recently re-signed to a minor league contract, is currently the highest-ranked of the at-risk group. For Boston, the calculus is simple: protect the top talent or risk losing key pieces of their future pipeline to the draft.
Source: Yahoo Sports
