Who Did Yankees Protect from MLB Rule 5 Draft? Spencer Jones Leads List of Prospects

The New York Yankees added several players to the team's 40-man roster to protect them from being selected by other clubs in the Rule 5 Draft ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees protected outfielder Spencer Jones as well as right-handed pitchers Elmer Rodríguez and Chase Hampton from the draft.

The decision was understandable, as Rodríguez and Jones rank as New York's No. 3 and No. 4 prospects respectively (via MLB.com).

Jones opened the 2025 season in Double-A action but was promoted to Triple-A after continuing to showcase his power at the plate. He hit .274 with 19 home runs, 15 doubles and 48 RBI across 67 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Rodríguez looked sharp while spending time with Double-A Somerset last season, posting a 5-3 record in 11 starts to go along with a 2.64 ERA and 1.043 WHIP. He racked up 74 strikeouts compared to 20 walks in 61.1 innings of work.

As for Hampton, he's currently recovering from Tommy John surgery that he underwent on Feb. 21.

He went 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 20 combined starts for High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset in 2023 before compiling a 2.41 ERA across three leagues in 2024.

The 2025 Rule 5 Draft will take place on Dec. 10.