SF Giants Rule 5 Draft Preview

Familiar SF Giants Names: Dany Jimenez (Blue Jays), Matt Krook (Rays), Connor Joe (Dodgers), Andrew Ferguson (Astros)

Yep, three of the SF Giants Rule 5 draft picks over the last couple of years could be reselected. All still have the same cases to be picked that led the Giants to give them a chance the first time. Joe, in fact, had a very strong Triple-A showing after he was returned to the Dodgers. Ferguson performed about at his previous levels upon returning to the Astros. Of course, with the exception of Dany Jimenez, they were available in last year’s Rule 5 Draft and were passed over.

Travis Bergen, the lone former Giants Rule 5 pick not eligible, was on the Blue Jays roster this year and was traded to the Diamondbacks for Robbie Ray at the deadline. He posted a 3.24 ERA over 8 appearances and recorded a save this season between both teams.

Matt Krook was part of the package the Giants sent to the Tampa Bay Rays in the Evan Longoria and has acclimated well to a hybrid opener/long-reliever role. Now 26-years old, Krook spent 2018 and 2019 at Double-A Montgomery. In 69 appearances (24 starts), he completed 124 innings and struck out 147. However, his longstanding troubles with control have remained, walking 82 batters. He’s still managed a somewhat competent 4.34 ERA and, most impressively, has generated ground balls at an elite rate. While the Giants have plenty of left-handed options in their bullpen, do not be surprised if a lefty-needy team calls his number.

The MLB “Vet” Rule 5 Draft-Eligible: Tim Mayza (Blue Jays)

While it’s rare, players with MLB experience can be outrighted off their team’s 40-man rosters, clear waivers, elect to stay with their current organization, and then be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Tim Mayza threw 104 innings for the Blue Jays between 2017 and 2019, struck out 122, and walked 45. His ERA (4.67) and FIP (3.97) both suggested he was a competent big-league arm, but he’s probably not better than any of the lefties already in the Giants pen.