The Boston Red Sox have had enough recent success in the Rule 5 Draft that fans may need a reminder that it's not supposed to be so simple.
Two of Boston's best relievers, Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten, came to the Red Sox as Rule 5 picks -- Whitlock before the 2021 season, Slaten before 2024. They were looking to strike gold a third time when they picked up Ryan Watson in December's Rule 5 Draft from the San Francisco Giants, via a trade with the Athletics.
Watson needs to stay on the 26-man roster or injured list all season for the Red Sox to ensure they keep him long-term. That worked out in the cases of Whitlock and Slaten, but the odds may already be diminishing for Watson, who has been all over the place in spring training.
On Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic hinted that Watson could be in real jeopardy of missing out on the opening day roster, which would mean he'd immediately become available for the Giants to bring back, and he wouldn't have to go on San Francisco's 40-man roster.
"With less than three weeks until Opening Day, six relievers ... are in line to have spots in the bullpen," McCaffrey wrote. "That leaves two spots open, and Cora named five pitchers who have intrigued him in camp: right-handers Tayron Guerrero, Noah Song, Kyle Keller and Seth Martinez, and lefty Tyler Samaniego.
"Of note, Cora didn’t mention Rule 5 draftee Ryan Watson, who has struggled with command this spring. Watson needs to make the active roster or be returned to the Athletics."
Watson concluded play on Wednesday with six earned runs on seven hits allowed in six innings this spring. He'd walked three batters and struck out four. In the next two weeks, he'll have a lot to prove if he wants to establish himself as a reliable member of the bullpen.