Even though I'm generally against locking up players longer, wouldn't it make sense if Rule 5/minor league free agency was age-based rather than service-based? Or have the clock start when you leave the DSL (or equivalent)? So few of these type of players actually seem to be served by Rule 5 (though they'd certainly be better served by true free agency). Depending how you do it it would also shorten the clock for older/college draftees.
Of course expanding the 40-man and/or paying non-MLB 40 guys better would also help.
One other note here: Medina never finished his DFA process. He remains, technically, Phillies property, but locked out.
Five of the youngest players on the Philliesâ 40-man roster are Latin American. With the way Rule 5 protection rules work, teams must make quicker decisions on Latino players because they enter organizations at earlier ages. There will be a disproportionate number of Latinos affected across the sport. Shortstop Luis GarcĂa, 21, has played 16 games above Low A. He is locked out. Center fielder SĂmon Muzziotti, 23, has accrued 190 plate appearances over the last two years because of the pandemic and associated work-visa issues. Heâs played 12 games above A ball. He is locked out. Francisco Morales, 22, might have started Opening Day at Triple-A Lehigh Valley next month. The right-hander needs innings. He is locked out.
