Last night the Mets added Brandon Nimmo, Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo, and Jeff Walters to their 40-man roster protecting them from the Rule 5 Draft on December 10th.

Some of the notable names that the Mets didn’t protect where Top 10 prospect Wuilmer Becerra, reliever Paul Sewald, and starting pitcher Matthew Bowman.

The Mets also left utility infielder T.J. Rivera exposed to the draft and according to MLB Pipeline he is one of the ten best prospects available to draft. Rivera hit .325/.364/.449 in 110 games combined between the AA Binghamton Mets and the AAA Las Vegas 51’s in 2015. He had seven homeruns, 27 doubles, scored 63 runs, and knocked in 48.

Rivera can play all over the infield logging 45 games at third, 22 at second base, and 17 at shortstop this season. He has also played 27 career games at first base.

The 27-year old, right-handed hitter is a career .318/.366/.418 minor leaguer hitter while striking out only 278 times in 2010 at bats. His best defensive position is second, he lacks the range and arm strength for shortstop.

I think there is a slight chance that Rivera gets taken but better chance that he doesn’t. Considering you can get players that fit his mold via Minor League free agency and they wouldn’t have to be assured a 40-man roster spot the whole season, let alone the 25 man roster.

Rivera could carve out a role as a Major League utility guy but I don’t think that is the type of guy teams are searching for when they take someone in Rule 5. Generally looking for high upside guys or intriguing young arms.