The Philadelphia Phillies faced two significant decisions when it came to prospects as they prepare for the Rule 5 Draft next month.

The Phillies were required to turn in prospects they want to protect on Tuesday by moving them to their 40-man roster. If they didn’t, they would expose them to the Rule 5 Draft.

Of particular note were the Phillies’ two Top 30 prospects, as ranked by MLB.com, within their organization.

Those players were outfielder Carlos De La Cruz (No. 6) and left-handed pitcher Samuel Aldegheri (No. 28).

The Phillies left both unprotected, per MLB.com, leaving their 40-man roster at 38 players.

The moves can be critical for the Phillies’ future, as there are players that could make their way to the team one day. De La Cruz is of particular note because he had one of his best professional seasons in 2023 and at one time had minor league baseball’s longest active on-base streak.

The Phillies saw some of their recent draft picks and player development pay off this season with the promotions of outfielder Johan Rojas and pitcher Orion Kerkering, both of which contributed to their playoff run.

The Phillies have organizational stability, but also have some issues to deal with. Pitcher Aaron Nola is set to test free agency. So is first baseman Rhys Hoskins, after the Phillies opted to move Bryce Harper to first base. There are also rumors that the Phillies are interested in trading outfielder Nick Castellanos.

The Rule 5 Draft, or the Winter Meeting Draft, will take place on Dec. 6 in Nashville.

Players signed at age 18 or younger who had not been added to the 40-man within five seasons of becoming a pro, or players who signed at age 19 or older and had not been added to the 40-man roster within four seasons were eligible for protection.

For teams that draft a player in the Rule 5 Draft, they must pay $100,000 to the player’s club, put him on their 26-man roster immediately and put him out outright waivers if they release him the following season. If he clears waivers, he goes back to his former team for $50,000.