Nolan Perry headlines five Blue Jays prospects facing a Rule 5 decision by Nov. 17. A looming lockout could still scramble the whole process.

The deadline is real on paper. But if a lockout hits on Dec. 1, the Rule 5 Draft could be cancelled, just like it was in 2021.

Perry is the easiest call. He posted a 2.50 ERA over 82.2 innings in 2026 with a 36% strikeout rate.

He did it while coming back from Tommy John surgery. There's no way Toronto leaves him exposed.

Gage Stanifer is a tougher decision. He finished 2026 with a 4.83 ERA over 100.2 innings.

He made 19 starts at Double-A before moving to the bullpen, then got just three games at Triple-A Buffalo.

Gage Stanifer is the Blue Jays' hardest Rule 5 call

The results don't scream protection. But his upside could still tempt another club, which makes him either a 40-man add or a trade chip.

Daniel Guerra is a cleaner bullpen bet. He posted a 3.33 ERA over 78.1 innings with a 32.3% strikeout rate.

Jay Harry might be the most interesting bat. He climbed from Single-A to Triple-A in 2026, slashing .298/.343/.495 with 14 homers.

His versatility helps, too. He played mostly shortstop but also saw time at second, center and both corner outfield spots.

Josh Kasevich brings contact and experience rather than power. He slashed .282/.364/.363 over 130 games, mostly at third and short.

So who gets protected? Perry and Harry should be locks, and Guerra deserves strong consideration.

Space is tight, though. Nine players finished the season on the 60-day IL, and seven of them will need 40-man spots back.

Stanifer should be traded rather than risked. If Toronto can't find room, flipping him for a useful piece beats losing him for almost nothing in the draft.

Setting a 40-man roster is like packing a carry-on. You can't bring everything, so whatever stays behind should at least be replaceable.

Ross Atkins has a few weeks to make these calls. Get them right, and Toronto keeps its future intact, even if a lockout makes the deadline moot.