The White Sox made waves in the 2025 Rule 5 draft, and it seems they were hoping to strike gold again this year. Their standout pick from last year, Shane Smith, became only the second Rule 5 player ever to make the All-Star team in his rookie season.
Another gem, Mike Vasil, proved crucial to their pitching staff. Fast forward to this season, and the competition in White Sox camp is fierce, leading to some tough decisions.
The latest news? Right-hander Alexander Alberto, a Rule 5 pick, has been placed on waivers. If he clears, the White Sox must offer him back to the Rays, who can decide whether to reclaim him or keep the cash they received.
Alberto, a 24-year-old with a blazing fastball, was selected in the second round of the Rule 5 draft. Despite his potential, having never pitched above High-A with the Rays, the jump to the majors was ambitious. His fastball and slider combo had the makings of a late-inning powerhouse, but the White Sox knew keeping both him and fellow Rule 5 pick Jedixson Paez would be a stretch.
This spring, Alberto struggled to find his groove. Over seven appearances, he allowed eight earned runs, twelve hits, and four walks.
His fastball, usually a blistering 99-100 mph, hovered around 97, and his command was shaky. With a stronger bullpen and other pitchers stepping up, the White Sox couldn’t justify a roster spot for Alberto.
Now, he’s on waivers, and any team that claims him will face the same Rule 5 conditions.
The White Sox have more roster trims to make with the season just around the corner. Alberto was among several players reassigned to minor league camp, including Oliver Dunn, Dru Baker, and others. The team needs to whittle down from 42 to 26 players before opening day.
As for the bullpen, this move might signal a promising opportunity for Jedixson Paez. With Mike Vasil sidelined by injury, Paez could fill a crucial multi-inning relief role, offering the White Sox a tantalizing long-term prospect.
While the White Sox couldn’t replicate last year’s Rule 5 magic, they took a calculated risk on Alberto’s potential. Despite the setback, there’s still a wealth of talent heading to Milwaukee for fans to anticipate.
