Twins clear path for 2025 Rule 5 Draft selection by releasing outfielder Carson McCusker
The Minnesota Twins cleared a 40-man roster spot by placing outfielder Carson McCusker on unconditional release waivers, according to The Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale. McCusker is expected to play in Asia next year.
Now possessing an open roster spot, the Twins will likely select someone in the Rule 5 Draft, set to begin at 1 p.m. CST today in Orlando, Fla.
The Twins will have the fourth pick in the Rule 5 Draft. They have the opportunity to select an available player after the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals, respectively.
Rule 5 Draft player qualifications
Players who entered professional baseball at age 18 or younger in 2021 or at age 19 or older in 2022 can be selected in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft if they aren't on a 40-man roster.
If a team selects a player during the Major League phase, they must pay his former club $100,000 and keep him on their Major League roster for the entire 2026 season. If the team wants to get rid of the player, he must be put on waivers and then offered back to his original team for half his draft price.
There is also a Minor League portion of the Rule 5 Draft, where anyone not protected on a Major League or Triple-A roster is eligible to be drafted for $24,000. They don't carry the same restrictions as players selected in the big league phase.
Who could the Twins select in the Major League phase of the 2025 Rule 5 Draft?
If the Twins are going to select anyone in the big league portion of the Rule 5 Draft, he will likely be a reliever. According to Nightengale, Minnesota is seeking a power bat and bullpen help this offseason. While acquiring a usable power bat in the Rule 5 Draft is extremely difficult, getting a usable reliever is not out of the question.
Some notable pitchers whom the Twins could select in the Rule 5 Draft today include Rockies RHP Bryan Castillo (2.94 ERA in 2025), Brewers RHP Will Childers (3.20 ERA), Angels LHP Samy Natera (2.84 ERA) and Marlins RHP Zach McCambley.
The Twins are also in danger of losing some promising prospects, such as right-handed pitcher Jose Olivares and left-handed pitcher C.J. Culpepper, in today's draft.