# Cubs Bolster 40-Man Roster Ahead of Rule 5 Draft
the Chicago Cubs added three prospects to their 40-man roster on Tuesday, November 26, strategically protecting them from being selected in December’s Rule 5 Draft. This move streamlines the team’s roster management and signals a commitment to developing key young talent.
The annual rule 5 Draft, scheduled for December 10 at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, allows teams to acquire players who are not currently on a 40-man roster. Eligibility is persistent by a player’s age and time since signing: those signed at 18 or younger must be added to a roster within five seasons, while those signed at 19 or older have four seasons to earn a spot. Failure to meet these criteria opens players up for selection by other organizations. Teams selecting a player in the Major League phase face a $100,000 fee and a requirement to keep the player on the 26-man roster for the entire season, wiht a $50,000 buyback option offered to the original team.
Did you know?-The Rule 5 Draft isn’t limited to just players with organizational ties. Independent league players are also eligible, offering a unique scouting possibility for MLB teams.
Three Prospects Secure Their Spots
The cubs’ recent additions represent a diverse range of skills and potential.
- Ramirez, a versatile 21-year-old switch-hitter, was promoted from Double-A Knoxville after a strong 2025 season. He batted .280 with eight home runs, 21 doubles, four triples, 73 RBIs, and an notable 28 stolen bases, posting a .732 OPS in 129 games. His ability to play both second and third base adds significant value.
- Triantos, a 22-year-old drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, previously ranked among Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects. While his performance dipped slightly in 2025, hitting .259 with a .685 OPS in 110 games at Triple-A Iowa after a stellar .300 average and .773 OPS in 2024, he remains a promising talent with plus speed and contact ability, capable of playing multiple positions.
- Martin, a 27-year-old left-handed pitcher drafted by the Cubs in 2021, has shown marked improvement in triple-A. In 2025, he recorded a 2.69 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 35 walks in 63 2/3 innings across 47 appearances, primarily in relief.
Prospects Sideline by Injury and Advancement
Several other prospects were considered for inclusion but ultimately did not make the cut. Birdsell, a rising pitching prospect in 2024, was sidelined by a right elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery in August, limiting his 2025 performance to just 33 2/3 innings with Iowa.
Pro tip:-teams often prioritize protecting players with multiple position capabilities. Versatility increases a prospect’s value and potential for roster flexibility.
Hernandez, who received a $3 million signing bonus in 2021, continues to develop in High-A South Bend. Despite stealing 52 bases in 2025, his OPS decreased to .694 from .755 the previous season, indicating areas for continued development. The decision to leave these players unprotected means other teams will have a chance to select them in the draft, possibly altering their career trajectories. The draft will provide other teams with an opportunity to potentially acquire players who were not protected,adding another layer of intrigue to the offseason.
