The rule 5 draft is done every winter, and allows players to have new opportunities with new organizations. For 27 year old outfielder Josh Palacios, a new opportunity presented itself after being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Triple-A phase of the minor league rule 5 draft. Palacios, once in the major leagues, found himself in Double-A Altoona to start off the 2023 minor league season and now he’s looking at another shot at the major leagues.

Josh Palacios was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 4th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Auburn University. Palacios’ first year showed promise, as in his shortened draft affiliate season he moved from the Gulf Coast League, to Short A ball, to finishing off the season in Full season A ball. Palacios would spend the full season in Lansing during 2017, hitting .280 and 39 RBIs. Palacios would continue his development, playing with Dunedin in High-A in 2018 and had one of his best statistical seasons. A .292 average with 79 RBIs and a .775 OPS. 2018 was also a huge year for his younger brother, Richie, as he was drafted to the Cleveland Guardians in the third round. 2019 was the year for his move up to Double-A New Hampshire, and he’d have another solid season with 38 RBIs and a .266 average. In 2020, he didn’t get any game action due to Covid but did spend the season at the alternate training site for the Blue Jays. 2021 was the year Josh, as he finally got to reach his major league dream, and he spent four different stints with the big league club. 

Following spring training in 2022, Palacios was on the outside looking in, and was designated for assignment by the Jays. The Washington Nationals took a chance on the outfielder. He’d spend two stints with the Nationals throughout the season, before getting outrighted following the season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates saw the potential in Palacios after his .298 average and 44 RBIs in Triple- A last season, and selected him in the rule 5 draft. The one problem was the outfield pool for the Pirates was very crowded, which resulted in Palacios starting in Double-A Altoona. He’d spend only 8 games with the Curve, before the Triple-A Indians who needed his services after injuries to Travis Swaggerty, Endy Rodriguez, and Nick Gonzales. Palacios took no time getting accustomed to the team, as he now is the team’s leading hitter. A .417 batting average, 1.283 OPS, a .792 SLG, 19 RBIs, and 4 home runs in only 12 games!

With the lack of depth production in the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup as of late, should Josh Palacios get a chance to prove himself in the major leagues once again? The soon to be 28-year-old could be a game changer once implemented into the lineup just like he has been to the Triple-A Indians. Let me know down below should Josh Palacios get a chance in the MLB again?