Over-analyzing the Rule 5 draft is a proud tradition of the Winter Meetings.

The entire premise of Rule 5 is perfect off-season fodder. Minor league players only become eligible if they have spent a significant amount of time in the minor leagues (meaning they have become familiar to many potential followers). There is a deadline to protect them (which requires their inclusion on the 40-man roster, which means an early series of roster moves), and those left unprotected are available to any team that has an open spot in its squad (which means the potential for great things). league influence immediately).

It’s fun and juicy.

And the impact is usually minimal.

This year’s Rule 5 selection takes place today at 1:00 p.m. CT. For young players, it opens a door full of possibilities. For teams it is a way to attract young talent. There have been some notable Rule 5 picks – Anthony Santander, one of this winter’s top free agents, was a Rule 5 pick in 2016 – but most picks are largely forgotten.

The Athletics got a regular Rule 5 starter last year (Mitch Spence), the Cardinals and Red Sox each got a middle-inning reliever (Ryan Fernandez, Justin Slaten) and the Nationals got a utility man (Nasim Nunez). The Padres and Royals each held on to guys who were struggling (Stephen Kolek, Anthony Molina).