Out of the 15 players selected, four players were born outside of the United States. Here are the international-born players that were selected in this year’s MLB Rule 5 Draft.
Blue Jays- Angel Bastardo RHP (Red Sox)
Born in Moron, Venezuela, the Blue Jays selected right-hander Angel Bastardo from the Boston Red Sox organization. He made ten starts in Double-A this season, going 0-5, a 5.36 ERA, tossing 45.1 innings, walking 21 and striking out 53 batters. He got injured during the season, as he is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, and is expected to miss most of the 2025 season.
Twins- Eiberson Castellano RHP (Phillies)
The Minnesota Twins selected Eiberson Castellano off the Phillies. The right-hander was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and pitched between the High-A and Double-A levels in 2024 in the Phillies organization. Making 20 starts in 22 appearances, he went 6-5, posting a 3.99 ERA, throwing in 103.2 innings, striking out 136 batters, while only walking 29. It will be interesting to see how the Twins plan to utilize Castellano.
Braves- Anderson Pilar RHP (Marlins)
Born in Villa Isabela, Dominican Republic, the Braves selected Anderson Pilar from the Marlins. Pilar climbed a huge ladder in 2024, starting the season in High A, and also played in Double and Triple-A. Mainly used as a reliever, Pilar went 1-1 in 37 games and two starts, with a 2.64 ERA, striking out 71 batters and walking 13 in just 58 innings of work. He also got some innings this winter in LIDOM with the Gigantes del Cibao, going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 16 appearances, walking only two batters while striking out 27 in 21 innings.
Padres- Juan Nunez RHP (Orioles)
The San Diego Padres selected right-handed pitcher Juan Nunez from the Orioles organization. Nunez was born in Azua, Dominican Republic. He did not pitch too much in 2024, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.45 ERA in seven games and four starts, striking out 38 batters and walking 10 in 29.1 innings of work.
