With the 2021 prospect additions to the 40 man roster complete, I thought I'd make a quick article detailing the main prospects who will be up for Rule 5 eligibility in 2022. Yeah, it's pie in the sky at this point, but this is likely going to be a long and quiet offseason, so why the heck not? It will be fun to look back on this in a year's time... If I/we can remember that.

I've chosen 10 players who might be worth protecting (9 who will be first eligible):

C Alex Isola - A 29th rounder from the 2019 class, Isola had a really strong 2021 season at the plate for a catcher. Outside of the 3 main catchers at/near the MLB level, this organization does not have very much catching talent in the minors, so protecting him could become a priority if he has a good 2022 season (hopefully in AA?).

2B/3B Spencer Steer - After tearing up A+ Cedar Rapids, Steer's bat cooled off at AA, but not at an alarming rate. He profiles as a power hitter who doesn't strike out as much as other hitters in our organization do.

2B/UTL Edouard Julien - The 18th rounder out of Auburn had an absurd 2021 season, with walks galore, 34 stolen bases, and some power (18 HRs).

2B/3B Yunior Severino - I suspect he will not be taken in the 2021 Rule 5 draft, but if he continues his hot streak on which he concluded the 2021 season, the Twins could have no choice but to protect him.

OF/DH Matt Wallner - Probably the best-known prospect on this list, Wallner has incredible power. His K rates do scare me, though. I would get him learning how to play 1B since he has no business playing OF in the majors.

OF Misael Urbina - He'll need to have a breakout year in 2022 to be considered. He has sky-high potential, but struggled to hit at Fort Myers. That's not surprising for a 19 year old. 

SP Simeon Woods-Richardson - The Jays challenged SWR by starting him at AA, but he should repeat there. He is a Top 100 prospect by many rankings and would be a lock to be protected.

SP Matt Canterino - He's got an electric arm, but we're getting to the point where you wonder if he'll ever be able to stay healthy for a full season. Having pitched 48 innings in the past 3 years, you'd have to think he will end up as a reliever.

SP Louie Varland - After concluding a dominant 2021, Varland should reach AA at some point in 2022. If he keeps up his torrid pace, he'll need to be protected.

RP Yennier Cano - I expect he gets added to the 40 man mid-way through 2022. He's got the stuff to be a very good MLB reliever.

 

Did I miss anyone?

That’s an interesting list, of course it’s too early to know for sure beyond the 2-3 that you could say right now are ‘for sures.’ You could also have titled this ‘10 to watch in the 2022 season.’