Jake Mangum is unprotected before the Rule 5 draft

NEW YORK — The Mets left one of their best defensive prospects exposed for the Rule 5 draft on Tuesday as they fielded no 40-man roster before the deadline.

The team chose not to protect the outfielder Jake Mangum, who is eligible for the Rule 5 draft for the first time. Mangum, the club’s fourth-round pick in the 2019 MLB draft, has been limited to 72 games this season due to a stress reaction in his spine. Considered too old for a 26-year-old to not rank among MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 mets prospects. But he is widely considered one of the best defensive players in the organization at any position, which could tempt opposing teams.

The Article 5 draft It is scheduled for December 7 at the Winter Meetings in San Diego. Players who signed their first professional contract at the age of 18 or younger must be added to 40-man rosters within five seasons or become eligible for drafting by other organizations through the Rule 5 process. Players who sign up at the age of 19 or older must be protected within four seasons. Clubs pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league stage of the Rule 5 draft. If that player does not remain on the 25-man roster for the full season, he must be returned to his former team for $50,000.

Consuegra though – rated as the Mets No. 23 is a possibility By MLB Pipeline – Rated higher than Mangum, he is 22 years old and has no higher experience than Class A ball, making him less likely to be recruited. By contrast, Mangum is a former Mississippi State All-Star who played in 144 games for the top Minors. If he goes unclaimed in the Rule 5 draft, Mangum will have a strong chance of making New York’s Opening Day roster as a backup player. But another team could take a chance on Mangum, the dynamic quarterback who holds the MSU career scoring record.

The Mets have eight slots on their 40-man roster, but they’ll need to use several of those on pitchers to fill out their roster.