Who should Orioles protect in Rule 5 draft? | MAILBAG

Question: How does the expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement impact the Rule 5 draft and which minor leaguers do you think the O’s should protect? From: TheObxr.

Answer: Stu, if there’s a lockout, it’s likely that the Rule 5 draft will be canceled. In the lockout of 2021-2022, there was no Rule 5 draft.

However, the deadline for adding eligible players to the 40-man roster is November 18^th, and I’ll predict the Orioles will add six players: outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., infielder Aron Estrada, and pitchers Michael Forret, Nestor German, Patrick Reilly and Levi Wells. There’s a possibility they could another pitcher, Braxton Bragg, who had Tommy John surgery last year and is pitching in the Arizona Fall League.

Question: Do you see any of the current farm system pitchers being on the Opening Day roster and in the rotation? Could either Ike Irish or Creed Willems be that backup/platoon catcher on Opening Day? From: John Rhodes

Answer: John, I think it’s possible that Trey Gibson could make the Opening Day roster as a back end of the rotation pitcher. Gibson made eight starts last season but spent the majority of the season at Triple-A Norfolk.

If you’re asking about pitchers without major league experience — Michael Forret, Nestor German or Levi Wells — I would say they would probably begin the season with Norfolk and be able to contribute later on.

I don’t think Creed Willems is a candidate to start the season with the Orioles, though if they decide to add him to the 40-man roster next month, I might change my mind.

Ike Irish caught seven games for Single-A Delmarva in 2025 and hasn’t caught since, so I think his future is in the outfield. That’s what he played for Frederick before he got hurt this year, and that’s where he’s been playing in the Arizona Fall League. 

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.