Three prospects the SF Giants could take in the MLB phase of the Rule 5 draft

The Rule 5 draft is here, and the SF Giants hold the No. 15 pick. Could they decide to take a player this time around? Griff McGarry, Payton Pallette, and Hayden Mullins all could be intriguing options.

Three prospects the SF Giants could take in the MLB phase of the Rule 5 draft

The Giants hold the No. 15 pick, but could move up in the draft. Several teams ahead of them are not eligible at the moment due to having no space on the 40-man roster. Other teams may not choose to participate.

Last week, the Giants opened up a spot on the 40-man roster when Marco Luciano was claimed off of waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The success rate for the Rule 5 draft is low, but it is a creative way for teams to find a role player. Typically, teams are looking for relievers, but can occasionally find a utility infielder or fourth outfielder. Could the Giants lose one of their prospects? We highlighted three candidates.

1. RHP Griff McGarry (Philadelphia Phillies)

Griff McGarry grew up in the Bay Area and attended Menlo School. He was a fifth-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2021 draft. McGarry can throw the kitchen sink at hitters, headlined by a upper 90's fastball with a two, distinct breaking balls. He throws an occasional changeup as well.

The right-handed pitcher has no problem getting hitters to swing and miss. He has a 13.2 K/9 rate across five minor league seasons. The control leaves something to be desired, as he has posted a career 6.3 BB/9 rate.

The Phillies continue to use him out of the rotation, but a move to the bullpen is likely his long-term fit. Relievers can often be successful with subpar command out of the bullpen.

2. RHP Peyton Pallette (Chicago White Sox)

You will see a theme here, and that theme is common each year during the Rule 5 draft. Pitchers who strike a lot of hitters out while walking a few too many tend to be in demand. Teams feel that if they can improve this type of pitcher's control, it could pay dividends.

Earlier in Peyton Pallette's pro career, he was deployed as a starter. The 2025 campaign was the first year he was used exclusively out of the bullpen. He tallied a 4.06 ERA with 86 strikeouts and 28 walks in 64.1 innings split across two levels.

On the mound, Pallette features an upper 90's fastball that has some armside movement through the zone. He throws a 12-to-6 curveball that opposing hitters seem to pick up on early, and do not chase it all that much out of the zone. He mixes in slider and changeup as well.

3. LHP Hayden Mullins (Boston Red Sox)

Similar to Griff McGarry, Hayden Mullins might be best suited for the bullpen. He has been used primarily as a starter as a pro, but below-average control will likely force a move sooner than later. That said, Mullins is difficult to hit.

The southpaw pitcher registered a 2.21 ERA with 123 strikeouts and 51 walks in 101.2 frames split across two levels. He only yielded 62 hits, including seven home runs.

Mullins throws from a low, three-quarters arm slot, which adds some deception to his delivery. By the time he releases the ball, it looks like it is coming from second base. He does not overpower with velocity, as his fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90's and can reach as high as 95 MPH. He mixes in a slider that sits in the low 80-'s, but sweeps across the plate with a bit of downward action. Mullins' curveball and changeup are a work in progress. He relies more on deception than stuff to get outs, but throws from an intriguing release point.