Rule 5 Protection Deadline

[hoosierdaddy3277]

On November 19th, MLB required teams to freeze their 40 man rosters for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. In OOTP, we don't have to do that until the day of the draft. I realize the technical problem with players who have yet to file for free agency or have been non-tendered, but could we still have a deadline after free agents have filed? It would be more realistic.

[Le Grande Orange]

Originally Posted by hoosierdaddy3277

On November 19th, MLB required teams to freeze their 40 man rosters for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. In OOTP, we don't have to do that until the day of the draft. I realize the technical problem with players who have yet to file for free agency or have been non-tendered, but could we still have a deadline after free agents have filed? It would be more realistic.

Changes to the major league reserve list after that date are permitted; it's the minor league reserve list that is frozen. But even then some changes to the minor league reserve list are allowed. From Major League Rule 1(b):

Except for outright assignments from the Major League Reserve List in accordance with Rule 6 (Assignment of Player Contracts), outright assignments of players not subject to selection at the next Rule 5 Selection Meeting, the addition of players signed as Major League or Minor League free agents, or releases for the purpose of permitting players to sign a bona fide contract as a foreign professional, Minor League Reserve Lists may not be amended during the period between the latest date designated by the Commissioner for filing Minor League Reserve Lists and the conclusion of the Rule 5 Selection Meeting.

.Outright assignments to the minor leagues are prohibited in the three days prior to the Rule 5 Draft through to its conclusion. See MLR 6(d)(2).