Some of you with more knowledge of the exact rules may be able to help me here. I have been digging on the rules applying to returning players who were rule 5 selections. First they go through waivers- any other team can claim and rule 5 stipulations remain. 2) no waiver claim, offered back to original team for 50k. 3) Here is where I am not positive, If the original team takes them back........I think they go on the 40 man roster. Anyone know for sure? I do understand if the original team doesn't take them back, they can be put in drafting team's minor league system. Not sure if the original team can take them back, DFA them (all teams already passed for MLB roster but could claim to 40 man roster and assign to minors) if original team wants to keep them but remove from 40 man.
If the draftee looks decent, I could see original team taking them back and keeping on 40. If they have not performed well (ex pitcher with only A ball experience ) maybe the original team doesn't want to put on 40 so refuses the return/works trade etc and they remain with drafting club.