I know accepting costs you $25K but if you assign them back to the minors and not the 40, is it at a minor league salary ($55K-ish) or at the major league minimum ($327K)? I believe the latter. If so, I’ve always seen that as a poison pill. I don’t mind paying $25K but it’s a bit steeper to eat $275K in salary for them to be playing AA ball.

Yep the player salary stays at 327k this season.

It is because all major-league salaries are guaranteed.

The 327k salary is why I usually decline when Rule 5 players are offered back. Forces the team who took the player to pay it.

I’ve never understood some teams drafting up to 10 Rule V guys when most aren’t worthy of a current or future roster spot. I’m assuming it’s to re-stock a thin minor league system. If so, for a $50K transaction fee, $327K salary and offer back, it seems like a pricey strategy for a handful of career minor leaguers.