At MLB Trade Rumors, they're running through a series wherein a hypothetical expansion draft would happen. 40-man roster only, so most prospects are safe already. This would be done at the end of the season, so free agents like DeSclafani and Bauer wouldn't count. You've got 15 players to protect.
Who you got?
Mine:
Free Agents
Anthony DeSclafani
Trevor Bauer
Pedro Strop
Starting Pitchers: 4
Luis Castillo
Sonny Gray
Wade Miley
Tyler Mahle
Comment: Need meant keeping Mahle over others, as two FA (and likely expense of SP FA) would cost too much. Contracts on Castillo and Gray are exceptional value. Might consider not protecting Miley is he goes south this season. Neither Lodolo nor Greene need to be protected as of yet.
Relievers: 4
Michael Lorenzen
Amir Garrett
Robert Stephenson
Cody Reed
Comment: Probably too many to protect, but the arms are cheap and the upside is big. Iglesias is left to be plucked, but I suspect contract would keep him safe.
Outfielders: 4
Shogo Akiyama
Nick Senzel
Nick Castellanos
Jesse Winker
Comment: Aristides Aquino is the most likely player to be chosen, IMO. Hurts to leave him unprotected, but others all offer similar/ better production. Should Castellanos declare himself a free agent (unlikely in this economic downturn/ depression), Aquino becomes an option.
Infielders: 3
Eugenio Suarez
Tyler Stephenson
Jose Garcia
Comment: Moustakas and Votto are left unprotected-- I'm hoping their contracts are too large and relative ages keep them around. If not, there are other options already on the team. Too, that money could be spent on free agents. I had to protect both Stephenson and Garcia, as both profile to be on the 40-man by the time of this hypothetical draft. Jonathan India doesn't have to be protected, so that's good.