Matt Sauer (RHP) – Kansas City Royals (via Yankees)
Matt Sauer, another pitcher taken from the Yankees in this year's Rule 5 Draft, was selected by Kansas City. Like Spence, Sauer entered the season poised to serve as an effective swingman for the Royals, ready to step in for spot starts as needed.
However, Sauer's uneven performances prompted the Royals to designate him for assignment on May 21.
This development opens a window for us to explore what happens when a Rule 5 selection is removed from the roster. The Royals now have four days to trade Sauer, during which he must remain on the acquiring team’s major league roster, just as he did with the Royals. Failing that, he faces the same uncertainty he is currently experiencing.
If a trade does not materialize within the four days, Sauer will be placed on outright waivers, where any team can claim him, though he must remain on their roster. This requirement persists even with a change of teams.
Should he pass through waivers unclaimed, the Yankees will have the option to reclaim him into their organization. If they choose to do so, the Royals would receive $50K from the Yankees as compensation.
