MLB’s Rule 7(d) is no joke, capping minor league options at five for any player in a single season, and we saw just how brutally it hits last year with reliever Will Klein. This guy got optioned five times in 2025, bouncing from the Seattle Mariners to the Dodgers, hitting that wall hard. It’s a stark reminder that even guys who wear our colors can get caught in this crazy minor league shuffle.
The Brutal Reality of MLB Rule 7(d)
Think about it, five times in one season. That’s it. Once a player hits that limit, if they get called back up to the big leagues, they can’t just be sent back down to the minors. Nope, they have to be placed on waivers first. It’s a high-stakes game for these guys trying to stick in the show. This rule is a major hurdle for a lot of prospects and depth pieces throughout the league. What’s wild is that only options after Opening Day count toward that limit of five. Any time a player gets sent down during what used to be called “spring training” doesn’t even hit the counter. So, these dudes are already grinding, sometimes for months before the real clock even starts ticking. It really highlights the depth and constant movement on a 40-man roster.
Who’s Treading Water in 2026?
For the Dodgers this season, we’re seeing a bunch of players already navigating this option tightrope. Charlie Barnes, for example, is already at five options for 2026. He got optioned on April 14, April 27, May 17, July 2, and August 11. That’s intense! Paul Gervase is in the same boat, hitting five options by August 24, after trips down on May 10, May 31, July 6, and earlier on August 24. These guys are living on the edge, one wrong move and they’re on waivers. You also have Seth Halvorsen who’s already at four options with April 27, June 17, July 21, and August 12. And Kyle Hurt has three options under his belt by September 5. It shows the sheer volume of player movement and how quickly that limit can creep up. We’ve even got guys like Tyler Fitzgerald and Seth Halvorsen, who racked up some of their options with other teams before landing with the Dodgers. It’s not just about one team, it’s about their entire season-long journey. Others like Eliezer Alfonzo, Carlos Durán, Hyeseong Kim, Chuckie Robinson, all have one option each, but the clock is ticking for all of them.
This option tracker reminds us how tough it is to make it and stay in the Majors. Every move matters, especially for players like Charlie Barnes and Paul Gervase who’ve already hit their season limit. We’ll be keeping an eye on these guys to see who makes the next roster move and who might have to clear waivers. It’s a high-stakes chess match all season long in the minor leagues.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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