Who the Reds Should Protect Before the MLB Rule 5 Deadline
The deadline for MLB’s Rule 5 Protection is tomorrow, (Tuesday, November 18th – 6:00 PM ET.) This means the Cincinnati Reds have some big time decisions looming when it comes to their 40 man roster. Remember, once a player is added, they will have to remain on the 40 man roster. We’ve lost several players in past to the Rule 5 draft, none of significance but it can happen. Subscribe to our Newsletter by using the popup or the form below!
Reds Rule 5 Prospects
I think this year’s decisions are a LOT harder than year’s prior, but that’s just my opinion. The Reds really have a list of prospects worth protecting. They are, as named:
- Edwin Arroyo (Number 8 prospect, per pipeline)
- Hector Rodriguez (Number 9 prospect, per pipeline)
- Carlos Jorge (Number 22 prospect, per pipeline)
- Leonardo Balcazar (Number 23, per pipeline)
I think two of these guys on this list are absolute locks to be added to the Reds 40 man roster. They are named Edwin Arroyo and Hector Rodriguez. Both of them could attribute to the 2026 Cincinnati Reds, especially since the team has preached and preached about defense. No, I’m not insisting Edwin takes over shortshop from Elly de La Cruz, who has been publicly scrutinized for his lack of defense, but it could certainly happen at some point.
Edwin Arroyo 2025 Results
Edwin Arroyo finally had a relatively healthy 2025. Remember a year ago, he had a big time shoulder surgery, one that has notoriously limited the careers of players. Full labrum repair, after he injured it diving back into first base in Spring Training in 2024. He played up and down offensively, as one would expect with that sort of injury, but ended up catching absolute fire, as we wrote about. His defense did take a step back a bit in 2025 but I blame the labrum, he locked in toward the end of the year. Check out the article linked about catching fire
Hector Rodriguez 2025 Results
I think the other lock here to be added to the 40 is Hector Rodriguez. He has a sweet swing that’ll play well in Great American Ballpark, too. He had a HOT start to 2025, one where he saw a quick promotion up to AAA. He slashed .298/.357/.481/.837 in AA in 82 ballgames with 15 2Bs, 3 3Bs, and 12 HRs. He also showed a good ability to work a count. Once he got into AAA, however, he slowed down a bit. In 53 games he was slashing .260/.304/.405/.709 with 7 HRs. He struckout a lot more, however, which is what my worry is there. I believe a lot has to do with fatigue.
He’s only 21 years old, and was acquired in the Tyler Naquin deal. Hector is currently still playing baseball in the Dominican Winter League where he’s slashing .257/.278/.400/.678. I don’t read much into the DoWL, most guys treat that league there like a Friday Night Softball league. Just there to keep swinging the bat and stay in shape. He’s logged 36 PAs thus far, definitely nothing to look into.
Why Won’t They Protect Others?
I’ll be absolutely shocked to see them protect Carlos Jorge…but there’s a small, tiny chance that they’ll protect Balcazar. The Reds have definitely committed a decent amount of money to both players in the international pool, but all in all, I can’t see any teams having interest in either. Remember, to pick a rule 5 player up, you must carry them on your active roster all year or pay a fee to send them back. Leo’s highest level he’s played at is AA where he had a .677 OPS, and a very mediocre Fall League as well. No one is picking him up, and if they do, not a loss.
