Three players the SF Giants need to protect from the Rule 5 draft

Today is the deadline for the SF Giants to protect players from the Rule 5 draft by adding them to the 40-man roster. Who will they protect?

Three players the SF Giants need to protect from the Rule 5 draft

For teams, this is often a risk-based exercise. They typically only protect players that they feel could be lost through the Rule 5 draft. Spots on the 40-man roster are so valuable in the offseason that they just cannot protect every eligible player.

Regardless, players drafted through the Rule 5 channel do not always stick with their new team. More often than not, they are returned to their original team.

1. Will Bednar

The 2021 first-round pick by the Giants out of Mississippi State University has faced a lot of injury setbacks during his career. However, he has made his way back to the mound over the past couple of seasons.

The right-handed hurler pitched to a 4.97 ERA with 84 strikeouts and 34 walks across 50.2 innings with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. He records a lot of strikeouts and a lot of walks while throwing a fastball that sits comfortably in the upper 90's. Teams will take a chance on the strikeouts and velocity if the Giants do not protect him.

2. Spencer Miles

Spencer Miles, as of now, is not on the 40-man and would not be protected from the Rule 5 draft. Fangraphs seems to think that's a mistake.

"Miles has barely pitched in recent years, but a blistering Fall League makes him an appealing Rule 5 target for teams in need of relief help," wrote Brendan Gawlowski. Miles tallied 12 strikeouts against just one walk in 8.2 frames for the Scottsdale Scorpions this fall.

It will be interesting to see if Miles gets picked up or not, but if he does, this could be a mistake for San Francisco.

3. Nate Furman

Nate Furman had an incredible stretch earlier this season in A-ball, where he posted a 1.100 OPS in 36 games. The 24-year-old hitter is a fringe prospect, but could be on his way out if another team sees something in him, as he was left off the 40-man.

Defensively, Furman might be limited to second base, but he has excellent contact skills and that has been a quality that the front offices wants in a hitter.