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The New York Yankees, a franchise frequently targeted during the MLB Rule 5 Draft due to their deep pool of pitching prospects, managed to avoid any major losses this year. In a surprising turn of events, promising right-hander Zach Messinger remained with the organization despite being left unprotected—a risk that could have backfired.
Yankees pitching prospect’s unexpected safety
Zach Messinger, a 25-year-old right-hander who spent the 2024 season in Double-A, seemed like an obvious candidate for selection in this year’s Rule 5 Draft. Known for being a reliable, high-floor arm with a potential role as a bulk reliever or fifth starter, Messinger attracted speculative interest. Many believed the Oakland Athletics—already home to several former Yankees like JP Sears, Luis Medina, and Ken Waldichuk—might scoop him up.
No #Yankees were taken in the MLB phase of the Rule 5 Draft. Surprised
pitching prospect Zach Messinger wasn't called on.— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) December 11, 2024
However, as the draft concluded, Messinger’s name remained uncalled. The Yankees, who had opted to protect other prospects, such as infielder Caleb Durbin and young catcher Jesus Rodriguez, breathed a collective sigh of relief.
What’s next for Yankees’ Messinger?
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With Messinger still in the fold, the Yankees have flexibility heading into 2025. Messinger could step in as valuable depth after they traded established starters like Nestor Cortes. Alternatively, he could become part of a larger trade package should the New York team pursue a star player.
Messinger’s retention allows the Yankees to maintain a crucial layer of pitching depth, an asset that could be pivotal given the uncertainties that accompany a grueling MLB season.
Minor league departures and additions
While the Yankees avoided losing Messinger, they weren’t entirely unscathed. The minor-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft saw several prospects leave the organization. Triple-A workhorse Oddanier Mosqueda was snapped up by the St. Louis Cardinals, a noteworthy departure given his past reliability in the Yankees’ system.
Additionally, left-hander Joel Valdez joined the Cincinnati Reds, right-hander Blaine Abeyta headed to the Atlanta Braves, outfielder Joel Méndez moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and righty Gabriel Barbosa was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Unlike MLB Rule 5 picks, these minor-league selections don’t face the same retention requirements. MLB Rule 5 draftees must remain on their new team’s active roster throughout the season or be offered back to their original team. Minor-league draftees, however, are typically considered gone for good unless injuries force an unexpected return, as happened with Carson Coleman earlier this year.
On a more positive note, the Yankees did make an addition of their own by selecting Cleveland outfielder Luis Durango. Though relatively unknown, Durango’s athletic profile and potential upside make him an intriguing depth piece for the future.
Yankees’ strategic risk management
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The Yankees’ ability to retain Messinger underscores the delicate balancing act MLB teams face when managing their 40-man rosters ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. By protecting players like Durbin and Rodríguez, the Bombers prioritized long-term potential while gambling that Messinger might slip through the cracks.
In the end, the risk paid off. While losing several minor-league players stings, holding onto Messinger provides a significant boost to the organization’s pitching depth. His potential to contribute at the Major League level or serve as a valuable trade chip keeps the Yankees’ future options wide open.
With the Rule 5 Draft behind them, the Yankees can now focus on shaping their roster for the upcoming season. Retaining Messinger, coupled with potential trades and future call-ups, positions them well for the challenges ahead.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Yankees’ decision to roll the dice in the Rule 5 Draft may prove to be one of their savviest offseason moves—one that could pay dividends both on the field and in the trade market.
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