The Cubs are gearing up for the Rule 5 Draft, and with only **31 players on their 40-man roster, it's highly likely they'll be making a selection. But why should you care?** Because this draft can be a goldmine or a gamble! Let's dive in.
The Rule 5 Draft is a unique opportunity for teams to snag players from other organizations who haven't yet made it to the big leagues. However, there's a catch: if the Cubs select a player, they must keep him on their active roster for the entire season, or they risk losing him.
Looking back, the Cubs have a mixed history with this draft. They've made picks even when they didn't necessarily need them, like last year when they selected Gage Workman. Workman only played in 9 games before being traded.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Cubs have also had some incredible successes. In my view, the best Rule 5 picks in Cubs history are Willie Hernandez (1976), Jody Davis (1980), and Hector Rondon (2012). And, they might have added Trevor Megill (2019) to that list if they had kept him. He's now a solid closer for the Brewers.
With Jed Hoyer's front office showing a knack for finding valuable relief pitchers, and with the Cubs needing help in that area for the 2026 season, it's highly probable that they will target a reliever or a minor league starter who can contribute from the bullpen.
I've gathered some insights on potential picks. Here are seven pitchers to watch, along with their minor league stats, listed alphabetically:
- RHP Blake Burkhalter (Braves): A 2022 second-round pick from Auburn, Burkhalter has been primarily a starter (33 starts in 51 games) with a 3.21 ERA and 1.269 WHIP in the Braves system.
- RHP Chris Campos (Dodgers): Also 25 years old, Campos was a 2022 seventh-round pick. He's mostly been a starter in the Dodgers system, with a 4.13 ERA and 1.234 WHIP in the minors.
- RHP Dylan DeLucia (Guardians): A 2022 sixth-round pick, DeLucia missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. In his two years in the Guardians system, he has a 3.25 ERA and 1.085 WHIP.
- RHP Griff McGarry (Phillies): Turning 27 in June, McGarry was a 2022 fifth-round pick. He has a 4.14 ERA and 1.338 WHIP in the minors, with high strikeout and walk rates.
- LHP Hayden Mullins (Red Sox): The only left-hander on this list, Mullins was a 2022 twelfth-round pick. He had a solid 2025 season with a 2.21 ERA and 1.111 WHIP, but also dealt with a shoulder issue.
- RHP Peyton Pallette (White Sox): The youngest of the group, Pallette was a 2022 second-round pick. He transitioned to relief in 2025, striking out 86 with just 28 walks in 64.1 innings.
- RHP Tyler Vogel (Giants): A 2022 twelfth-round pick, Vogel has primarily been a reliever. In 2025, he had a 25.4 percent strikeout rate but a 10.2 percent walk rate.
The Rule 5 Draft is always a gamble. Do you think the Cubs should take a chance on a pitcher? Who do you think would be the best fit for the team?
