Detroit Tigers: Notable prospects not on 40-man roster eligible for Rule 5 Draft

Detroit Tigers fans could see a number of players added to the 40-man roster this offseason as the team looks to protect players from the Rule 5 draft.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila will have some decisions to make this offseason.

The general manager has a number of prospects coming through the ranks who need to be added to the 40-man roster in order to be protected from Major League Baseball’s Rule 5 Draft.

The Rule 5 Draft page on MLB.com’s official website wrote the following regarding eligibility:

"“Players who were signed when they were 19 or older and have played in professional baseball for four years are eligible, as are players who were signed at 18 and have played for five years.”"

Right off the bat that means every player in the Tigers’ 2014 draft class who is still in the organization and not on the 40-man roster is eligible.

Detroit recently added 2014 eighth-round pick Artie Lewicki to the 40-man roster.

Should he stick on the 40-man unit over the course of the offseason, Lewicki will be protected from the Rule 5 Draft.

Other 2014 draft picks of note include outfielders Mike Gerber and Derek Hill, starter Spencer Turnbull, catcher Grayson Greiner and relievers Adam Ravenelle and Paul Voelker.