Top Red Sox Prospect to Protect From Rule 5 Draft

The Boston Red Sox are heading into a tricky stretch before the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. This draft can shake up rosters and really test how well teams develop their prospects.

Every year, organizations have to decide which young players to add to their 40-man roster so they don’t lose them to other clubs. This time around, all eyes are on David Sandlin, a righty who throws hard and has been turning heads. He’s almost certain to get protected.

Behind Sandlin, there are a handful of interesting players who could get exposed to the draft. It’s a nerve-wracking moment for Boston’s front office, honestly.

Boston’s Rule 5 Draft History and Strategy

The Red Sox have learned—sometimes the hard way—that nailing the Rule 5 process matters. Garrett Whitlock is a great example. He became a major contributor after Boston picked him up in 2020.

Another win: Justin Slaten turned into a solid bullpen piece thanks to some smart moves. These cases just reinforce how important it is to protect the right prospects, not just chase steals on other teams’ lists.

David Sandlin: The Top Priority

Sandlin’s 2025 campaign really took off when he reached Triple-A. He started pumping fastballs at 100 mph and sharpened his control, which got people talking about him as a possible mainstay in the rotation.

He tried the bullpen for a bit, with mixed results, but Boston wants him starting in 2026. The only way Sandlin wouldn’t get protected? If he’s traded before the draft. That’d definitely spark some heated debates among fans and media.

To make space for Sandlin, Boston will have to clear a spot on the roster. Josh Winckowski keeps coming up in rumors. He’s been a reliable depth arm, but if the Sox want more upside, he might be on the bubble.

Other Pitchers at Risk

Besides Sandlin, Boston has a few other pitchers who could draw interest if left unprotected. Each guy brings something different to the table, but there are questions about performance, injuries, or just being ready for The Show.

Potentially Vulnerable Arms

• Tyler Uberstine – He might be the next guy Boston protects. His steady progress and ability to stay healthy stand out.
• Alex Hoppe – He racks up strikeouts, but hasn’t put it all together against tougher hitters.
• Shane Drohan – Once seen as rotation depth, now he’s got to show he can really command his pitches.
• Noah Song – Super talented, but he missed a lot of time serving in the Navy. That’s a tough gamble.
• Jeremy Wu-Yelland – Lefty with some juice. Teams needing bullpen help might take a look.
• Yordanny Monegro – Recovering from Tommy John surgery, so he’s not helping soon. Still, there’s some long-term intrigue.
• Hayden Mullins – He’s quietly making progress, but Boston might risk leaving him off the list.

Offensive Prospects in the Mix

Pitching gets most of the attention, but a couple position players could tempt other teams too. If Boston doesn’t protect them, it’s a bit of a risk.

Hitters Who Could Draw Interest

• Nathan Hickey – Bat-first catcher who’s starting to show some pop. Still has some work to do behind the plate.
• Miguel Bleis – Athletic outfielder with speed. He’s got tools, but still figuring out how to handle pro pitching.
• Allan Castro – Contact hitter who could fit as a bench bat for a team needing depth.

The Balancing Act Ahead

MLB’s Rule 5 Draft rules exist to give players stuck in the minors a shot at the big leagues. For teams like Boston, that means a tricky balancing act—protecting top-tier talents but still leaving enough room for in-season flexibility.

The choices ahead will say a lot about the Red Sox’s player evaluation chops. They’ll also reveal just how willing they are to take calculated risks.

In 2025, it looks pretty likely that David Sandlin will be protected. Tyler Uberstine could join him, though that’s a little less certain.

After that, the front office might just lean on the depth and readiness of the prospects left on the bubble. It’s a high-stakes chess match, honestly—one wrong move and a rival could scoop up the next breakout star.

With the Rule 5 Draft looming, Boston’s decisions will shape the 2026 roster in ways that aren’t always obvious at first. These moves also hint at just how aggressive the franchise wants to be in defending its core from poaching.

Fans and analysts are watching every step. In baseball’s winter shuffle, even the smallest roster tweak can send shockwaves.