Dany Jimenez

After three consecutive years being selected in the Rule 5 draft, only to be returned to his original club each time, Jimenez signed a minor league deal with Oakland prior to 2022. The 28-year-old had a strong spring, made the Athletics' Opening Day roster, and immediately made a high-leverage impact, securing his first career save in just his third big league appearance. The rookie did not allow an earned run over his first 13 outings and quickly supplanted Lou Trivino as Oakland's primary closer. Jimenez notched a team-high 11 saves to go along with a respectable 3.41 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, but his command was erratic, which led to a 12.3% walk rate. He also missed 86 days between two IL stints with a strained right shoulder that ultimately did not require surgery. Jimenez is optimistic he'll be ready for spring training, but given his uncertain health and lack of MLB experience, he's not a safe bet to regain the closer role.

The Giants used the Rule 5 draft to supplement their depleted bullpen, taking Jimenez from the Blue Jays with the 13th pick. Most Rule 5 selections are speculative starters, but it appears Jimenez will stick in the bullpen. In fact, since missing most of 2017 with an injury, Jimenez has worked exclusively out of the bullpen. He features a lively four-seam fastball, touching 98 and a low 80s slider. Jimenez does a good job tunneling, making it hard for the batter to differentiate the pitches. The 26-year old righty spend 2019 with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, posting a 1.87 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, though he was several years old for the level. Still, 46 strikeouts in 33.2 stanzas is impressive and the kind of arm San Francisco needs to replenish their bullpen. Most Rule 5 draftees are wait-and-see in terms of fantasy. Jimenez is an option in NL-only formats where dominant relievers are an asset.