Every Rule 5 Draft pick in Rays history
ST. PETERSBURG -- In December 2018, the Rays selected a right-hander with a funky, sidearm delivery in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft. It was hardly big news at the time. But less than two years later, Ryan Thompson cracked Tampa Bay’s Opening Day roster and wound up pitching in the 2020 World Series.
It’s not a common story, but it is a good reminder that talented players can come from anywhere. That includes the Rule 5 Draft. Here’s a look at all the players the Rays have selected in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft over the years.
2024: Mets LHP Nate Lavender – The Rays knew Lavender wouldn’t be ready to start the season while he finished his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but they hoped he would eventually play a part in their bullpen and perhaps stick around. Instead, injuries kept Lavender off the mound all season. With his Rule 5 restrictions still in place, the Rays opted to designate him for assignment, at which point he returned to the Mets after clearing waivers. It was a worthwhile gamble for a lefty reliever who was ranked among the Mets’ top prospects, but it ultimately didn’t work out.
2024 Mets RHP Mike Vasil (via Phillies) – The Rays sent cash to the Phillies to land a second Mets pitcher in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. Vasil competed for a starting/bulk-inning/multi-inning job in Spring Training but ultimately didn’t crack Tampa Bay’s Opening Day roster. The rebuilding White Sox claimed the right-hander off waivers, and he spent the entire season with Chicago as he settled into a role on their staff. Vasil recorded a 2.50 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP and four saves in 101 innings over 47 appearances, including three starts.
2022: Guardians RHP Kevin Kelly -- Technically, the Rays didn’t pick Kelly; the Rockies did, and the Rays traded for him. But the result was the same: Kelly became a Ray after the Rule 5 Draft, made their Opening Day roster and went on to play a big role in their bullpen. The mild-mannered, sidearming rookie recorded a 3.09 ERA in 67 innings over 57 appearances (second most on the team) and stuck around the whole season despite limited experience in the Minors. He was even better in his sophomore campaign, posting a 2.67 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 70 2/3 innings over 68 appearances for Tampa Bay.
2016: Mariners RHP Kevin Gadea -- The Rays were set to send Gadea back to the Mariners, but instead placed him on the 60-day injured list with right elbow tendinitis. He was sent to Triple-A Durham after the 2016 season. He never reached the Majors.
2010: Red Sox LHP César Cabral -- He was returned to the Red Sox before the 2010 season and made his Major League debut with the Yankees in ‘13. He made 14 career appearances, posting a 6.35 ERA.
2009: Red Sox LHP Armando Zerpa -- Was traded to the Dodgers for cash considerations and never made the Majors.
2008: White Sox RHP Derek Rodriguez -- The Rays returned Rodriguez to Chicago and the right-hander never made the Majors.
2007: Twins RHP Tim Lahey -- The Rays selected Lahey with the first pick in the 2007 Rule 5 Draft, but immediately traded him to the Cubs for cash considerations. He was on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster in ‘08, but never appeared in a big league game.
2006: Indians OF Ryan Goleski -- Tampa Bay selected Goleski, but traded him that same night to the A’s. Goleski was believed to have a lot of promise, but injuries kept him from making it to the Majors.
2005: Blue Jays RHP Steve Andrade -- Andrade made four career appearances with the Royals, posting a 9.64 ERA in 4 2/3 innings of work.
2003: Braves OF/RHP Alec Zumwalt -- Zumwalt tried to be a two-way player before it was cool, but it didn’t pan out, as he never made a Major League roster. He has, however, carved out a nice career after his playing days, serving as the Royals’ director of hitting performance and player development.
2002: Indians UTIL Hector Luna -- The Rays returned Luna to Cleveland in April 2003, and the utility man played in 339 career games with the Cardinals, Indians, Blue Jays, Marlins and Phillies.
2001: Braves RHP Kevin McGlinchy -- The right-hander never appeared in a game with the Rays.
1999: Tigers Chad Ogea -- Just a couple of years after shoving for the Indians against the Marlins in the 1997 World Series, Ogea was selected by the Rays in the Rule 5 Draft. He never appeared in a game with Tampa Bay and didn’t make it back to the big leagues.
1998: Orioles IF David Lamb -- Lamb was the first Rule 5 selection by the Tampa Bay franchise and is still the only Rule 5 pick to make an appearance with the Rays, making his debut in ‘99. Lamb played in parts of three big league seasons with the Rays, Mets and Twins.