White Sox Protect 2 Prospects from Rule 5 Draft

The Chicago White Sox are inching closer to creating a much different-looking roster in 2024. Chris Getz and Co. purchased the contracts of left-hander Jake Eder from Double-A Birmingham and righty Cristian Mena from Triple-A Charlotte. The move came prior to Tuesday's deadline for MLB clubs to add Rule 5 Draft-eligible players to 40-man rosters.

As a result, Eder and Mena will remain with the organization and likely begin 2024 at a minor league affiliate. Rule 5 draftees are players signed at age 18 or younger who were not added to their club's 40-man roster within five seasons, while players signed at 19 or older must be protected within four seasons.

The White Sox acquired Eder at the 2023 trade deadline from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Jake Burger, a move that has stirred much controversy among the South Side faithful. Mena joined the organization as an international signing in 2019 and spent some time at the highest level of the minors despite being only 20 years old.

Who Missed The Cut?

Several players in the White Sox system, including five of their top 30 prospects, were Rule 5-eligible.

Juan Carela, who came to the Sox at the trade deadline in exchange for Keynan Middleton, is another notable name that is now eligible to be selected.

Wilfred Veras, another 2019 international signee, was also left unprotected. Veras had a breakout season in 2023 with an .879 OPS in 38 games with Double-A Birmingham.

What's On Tap Next?

The 2023 MLB Rule 5 draft will be held at the Winter Meetings on Dec. 5. Chicago's 40-man roster currently stands at 37 players, but additional room may exist after the Nov. 17 non-tender deadline.