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Red Sox eye towering pitcher RJ Petit in Rule 5 draft

Dec 4, 2025, 1:00 AM20
(Update: Dec 4, 2025, 8:57 AM)
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Red Sox eye towering pitcher RJ Petit in Rule 5 draft

  • The Rule 5 draft allows teams to select unprotected players from other teams' minor leagues.
  • RJ Petit, a powerful right-handed pitcher, has shown impressive strikeout rates and performance in the minor leagues.
  • The Boston Red Sox may face challenges in selecting Petit due to their full 40-man roster and draft position.
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In the United States, Major League Baseball's Rule 5 draft is set to take place soon, with the Boston Red Sox considering potential selections to strengthen their bullpen. The Red Sox have previously participated in this draft, notably selecting right-hander Garrett Whitlock from the New York Yankees in 2020, who has since been an essential part of their relief lineup. This year, the team may look to the Detroit Tigers' 30th-ranked prospect, RJ Petit, who stands an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighs 300 pounds. He was left unprotected by the Tigers, raising the possibility of his selection by Boston or another team. Petit performed notably well during his time split between the Double-A Erie SeaWolves and Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, achieving a 10-2 record with a solid 2.78 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. His effectiveness is reflected in his elite strikeout rate, ranking in the 93rd percentile among Triple-A pitchers, which makes him an appealing option in the draft if available. However, the Red Sox face challenges: they already have a full roster of 40 players, which means they would need to remove someone to make room for a new selection. Additionally, they hold the 22nd pick in the draft order, suggesting a real risk that Petit may be selected by another team before they can choose. This means that while he fits Boston's needs, logistical barriers could hinder their efforts to secure him, despite his notable on-field performance and potential for development.

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