Rule-5 Roster Crunch: Who the Padres Are Protecting, and Who They Aren't

With the deadline to protect prospects ahead of the Rule 5 draft set for today at 6p.m. EST, the San Diego Padres roster is beginning to shape up. They are currently carrying 21 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders, and six outfielders on their 40-man roster. That leaves room to add up to six players to protect ahead of the deadline, if the team desires to.

Let's take a look at who has been protected — and who still should be. 

Will Wagner - protected

Despite his poor showing with the Padres in 2025, the Liberty product is on the 40-man and will return to San Diego barring a trade. Infield depth is not strong right now in San Diego, and Wagner, as of this moment, would probably make the big-league roster if the season started today. 

Tirso Ornelas - protected

Another player who did not look very impressive when he got the call-up to San Diego last year, Ornelas, is protected as well. He'll likely get another chance to man the outfield in San Diego, especially if other outfielders get hurt next season.

Luis Campusano - protected

Padres fans might be sighing over this one. It sure can feel as if Campusano has been given endless chances to succeed in San Diego, and he's going to get another one. He's currently the No. 2 catcher on the roster, and even if San Diego acquires another backstop this offseason, there is a very high chance they will give their former top prospect another shot in 2026. 

Omar Cruz - protected

It feels like the Padres have a real belief in Cruz, despite having logged only two games at a big league level by the time he turned 26. Still, he's protected on the 40-man, and could be a candidate to break into the bullpen in 2026, depending on if the team acquires any more relievers this offseason. 

Miguel Mendez - not protected

FanGraphs seems to think it would be a mistake not to add Mendez to the 40-man roster, and I agree. The 23-year-old starter impressed in multiple levels of the minor leagues last year. 

"Mendez is the only truly mandatory add," wrote Brendan Gawlowski. 

Garrett Hawkins - not protected

Hawkins posted a 0.850 WHIP and 1.50 ERA across 45 relief appearances in High-A and Double-A last year, and it feels like the 25-year-old could still have some untapped potential. With six open spots, it might make sense for the Padres to add Hawkins to the 40-man, just in case another organization sees something in him that they like.

Jagger Haynes - not protected

The Padres might also want to protect Jagger Haynes, currently their No. 10 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Haynes, a southpaw starter, was a fifth-round draft pick who has shown flashes while also dealing with injuries. He made 25 starts for Double-A San Antonio in 2025 and was solid. Scouts give his slider a grade of 60, his best pitch, while grading his control at a 40. There's potential here if he can hone his command.

Francis Pena - not protected

Among these past three candidates, Pena is the most likely to be protected. He pitched exclusively at Triple-A at 24 years old this past season, and though he struggled there, he ran a 2.43 ERA and 3.16 FIP across three levels in 2024.