Baltimore Orioles protect pitchers from the Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 Draft is somewhat confusing to understand. In essence, any player who is not on a MLB team’s 40-man roster, was 19 years of age or older when they signed, and has been playing in the organization for at least four years is eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft. Also, any player who was 18 years old or younger when signed and has been in the organization for at least five years is also eligible for the Draft.

Looking at all of the Baltimore Orioles’ Minor League players, that means the Birds’ No. 7 prospect  Mike Wright  and No. 15 prospect Tyler Wilson were eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft. If selected, Wright and/or Wilson must stay on the 25-man roster of his new team for the entire upcoming season or be offered back to Baltimore.

Luckily though, the Orioles were able to keep both Wright and Wilson from going to another MLB organization by adding them to the Orioles’ 40-man roster.

Both right-handed pitchers have the ability to be Major League pitchers one day.

In four seasons down in the Orioles’ farm system, Wright has a 4.08 with 363 strikeouts and 112 walks. He also has a 1.335 WHIP. In Wilson’s four seasons in the Minors, he has a 3.73 ERA with 445 strikeouts and 125 walks. His WHIP is 1.159.

This past season Wilson had the better season between the two. With a 14-8 record and a 3.67 combined ERA in Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, Wilson was certainly on the Orioles’ scouting reports.

Wright however had an “off year” in 2014. His 5-11 record and 4.61 ERA in 26 starts with the Norfolk Tides were shocking to most to say the least as it seemed going into the season that Wright was on the cusp of his Major League debut.

Nevertheless, assuring that Wilson and Wright will remain in the Orioles organization is a good thing especially when Baltimore is starting to produce quality pitchers in their Minor League system.