The MLB Winter Meetings bring with them the Rule 5 Draft, which gives young players not currently on the 40-man roster of any Major League team a chance to find a new home and, potentially, more opportunity to live out their dream of suiting up for a big league squad.

Ahead of the draft, find out when it takes place, how to watch, and which young prospects are among the most intriguing available with this preview.

Info

Date: Tuesday, December 10

Time: 2:00 p.m. EST

Streaming: MLB.com

Rules

Per MLB.com, the rules for the draft are...

"Any player who turned pro at age 18 or younger in 2020 or at age 19 or older in 2021 is eligible for selection in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft if he isn't on a 40-man roster. Clubs who take a player in that phase must pay his former team $100,000 and keep him on their active big league roster throughout the following season. The player can't be sent to the Minors without first clearing waivers and then getting offered back to his original organization for half his draft price."

Format

Any club with an open spot on its 40-man roster is eligible to make a selection. Teams pick in reverse order of the previous season's standings.

Top Prospects

Jose Acuna is the most intriguing prospect available in the draft, with a 96 mph fastball that compliments his slider and changeup.

He was limited in the regular season due to a flexor strain but the 22-year-old fired off just over 11 strikeouts per nine innings during his time in the Arizona League, reminding potential suitors of his potential on the mound.

He struggled in AAA ball, compiling an astronomical 9.95 ERA, meaning he is still a project for any potential team, but there is enough raw talent there to make him a worthwhile addition to any team looking for future relief help, at the very least.

Christian Franklin is a skilled athlete who has excelled in all three positions in the outfield. He also suffered a torn patella tendon that took him off the field and stunted his growth as a player.

He is a strong hitter but does tend to swing and miss. Still, his bat speed is one of his key strengths and he is a disciplined hitter, rarely chasing outside the zone and needlessly absorbing a strike.

His deficiencies are all areas that can be worked on and trained in the right organization. If a team takes him, recognizes him as a bit of a project with a high upside, Franklin could prove to be one of those players who sticks and goes on to a quality career in the bigs.