This section lists only MLB Rule 5 picks since 1997. The Rule 5 draft is an opportunity for teams to select unprotected players from other organizations and place them on their Active roster for the upcoming season for $100k. If these players are removed from the Active roster (injuries excluded), they are to be offered back to the original organization for $50k. Otherwise, the player must remain on the Active roster for the entire year.
An unprotected player is a player who has spent a minimum number of years in the Minor Leagues and has not been added to their organization's 40-man roster.
MLB.Com definition.