WHAT JUST HAPPENED: Rule 5 Shocker: Why the A's Gave Up a 97 MPH Strikeout Arm

The A’s kicked off the 2025 Rule 5 Draft by grabbing right-handed flamethrower Ryan Watson—an experienced Triple-A reliever with a 95 mph fastball, a whiff-heavy slider, and the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that screams “major league bullpen help.” But just minutes after landing him, they flipped him to the Red Sox for 23-year-old infielder Justin Riemer, a high-OBP contact bat with zero power and a versatile glove. It was a whiplash-inducing sequence that left A’s fans scratching their heads: why burn a Rule 5 pick on a guy you’re not going to keep, especially one who struck out over 28% of hitters last year in the PCL? Turns out, this was a Moneyball move through and through. Riemer is a classic front office pet project—an OBP savant with more walks than strikeouts, elite pitch recognition, and the potential to be a dirt-cheap utility guy in a couple years. No roster crunch, no 26-man obligation, just pure A’s efficiency. But it also means giving up a nearly MLB-ready bullpen arm in Watson, who was Boston’s target all along. So did the A’s just get fleeced—or are they playing a longer game, betting that Riemer’s bat control has more long-term value than another replaceable middle reliever? Depends on whether you believe in swing rates or spin rates. Las Vegas A's, A's Rule 5 Draft, Ryan Watson, Justin Riemer, A's trade news, Red Sox Rule 5, MLB Rule 5 Draft 2025, Athletics prospect analysis, Boston Red Sox trade, A's farm system, Ryan Watson scouting report, Justin Riemer highlights, Rule 5 MLB 2025, A's roster moves, MLB prospect trades, Moneyball A's, Athletics bullpen, Red Sox prospects, A's player development, Watson Riemer trade Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel.For those of you on video we send you to the first ever 24/7 National Locked On Podcast Network YouTube channel. On audio make sure you make your 2nd listen Locked On MLB. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LO... Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.