Will Orioles lose players in Rule 5 draft? | MAILBAG

Question: I see that the Orioles added two pitchers to the 40-man roster, ostensibly to protect them from Rule 5 exposure. Just wondering who of note we left unprotected and could be drafted? From: Mike Sherman

Answer: Mike, there were two MLB Pipeline Top 30 prospects left unprotected — Juan Nuñez, a right-handed pitcher, ranked eighth; and Alex Pham, a right-hander ranked 25^th.

Also unprotected were right-handed reliever Keagan Gillies, outfielders Hudson Haskin, John Rhodes and Reed Trimble and catcher Maverick Handley.

Pham, who started for Bowie last year, is probably most vulnerable, but it’s become increasingly hard for teams to keep Rule 5 prospects on their active rosters for a full season.

I wouldn’t think Nuñez would be drafted because he hasn’t pitched above High-A Aberdeen.

I was surprised that Kade Strowd was protected because he’s not on the Top 30 prospect list, and did expect Brandon Young to be protected.

Question: Who do you expect to be elected from the 2025 Hall of Fame ballot?  From: Rob Jefferson

Answer: Rob, I should receive my ballot this week, and I haven’t decided who I will vote for, so I’m going to have to pass on this question. I will publish my ballot and my reasoning just after New Year.

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.