20. Anyelo Gomez – Right-Handed Relief Pitcher
It is an absolute miracle that Anyelo Gomez was available for the Atlanta Braves to snag in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft. The 24-year-old righty put up a 1.92 ERA and a 1.024 WHIP over 70.1 innings of relief across four minor league levels in the Yankees’ system. While 2017 was a breakout season for Gomez, there’s a chance he’s able to sustain those numbers.
Anyelo Gomez has a chance to be a part of Atlanta’s bullpen in 2018, per Rule 5 requirements, and honestly, it’s a win-win situation for the Braves. If Gomez is successful, then the Braves got the steal of the year in the Rule 5 draft, and if not, he can be sent back to the Yankees while another young Braves’ arm eagerly takes his place.
19. Patrick Weigel – Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
Heading into the 2017 season, it looked as if Patrick Weigel would be pushing his way onto the MLB roster alongside Sean Newcomb and Lucas Sims. However, Tommy John surgery cut Weigel’s season short, and he’ll have to try again in 2018.
Weigel posted a 2.89 ERA in 7 starts with Mississippi before being promoted to Gwinnett, where his rocky performance through 8 starts led to eventual season-ending surgery. There’s a chance that Weigel can pitch near the end of the 2018 season, but the Braves may decide to exercise caution and allow the righty an extensive recovery period.
18. Brett Cumberland – Catcher/Rightfielder (?)
Brett Cumberland was the definition of an on-base machine in 2017. His 10.8% walk rate was tremendous and led him to a .409 on-base percentage in 111 games (452 PA) between class-A and high-A. The 27-year-old collected 27 doubles, two triples, and 11 home runs in 2017, and has a chance to build on this success in 2018.
Moreover, Cumberland has performed exceptionally well in the Australian Winter League, slashing .278/.400/.463 in 15 games (65 PA) with four doubles and two homers. If Cumberland shows that he can succeed in pitcher-friendly Trustmark Park in 2018 with Mississippi, then I will be truly impressed.