Atlanta is adding some organizational pieces this afternoon.
#Braves took RHP A.J. Puckett, 25, from White Sox Double-A roster in the Tripe-A phase of Rule 5 draft. A Royals second-round pick from Pepperdine in 2016, Puckett is 12-11 w/ 3.89 ERA in 38 starts from rookie-league to High-A (25 in High-A), has 164 K & 66 BB in 194 1/3 IP.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 10, 2020
In 2nd round of Triple-A phase of Rule 5, #Braves took 2B Jalen Miller from Giants' Double-A roster. An ATL native, Miller was 3rd-round pick from Sandy Springs' Riverwood HS in 2015. Has .235/.291/.352 slash w/ 35 HR in 5 seasons from rookie league to Double A, 476 K in 2,064 AB
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 10, 2020
In 3rd round of Triple-A phase of Rule 5 draft, #Braves rook OF Jacob Pearson, 21, from Twins' Single-A roster. An Angels 3rd-round pick in 2017, the LH hitter has slashed .233/.306/.341 w/ 12 HR and 30 stolen bases in 235 games during 3 MiLB seasons from rookie league to High-A.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 10, 2020
At first glance I read “AJ Puk” and my eyes perked up, but that’s not the case. As deep as the White Sox are, they were due for a few casualties. Puckett does a good job of keeping his walks under control and could be a valuable bullpen piece that we get a look at in 2021. Puckett is not listed in Chicago’s Top 30 by MLBPipeline.
I didn’t expect Atlanta to choose anyone in Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft, but it’s even more surprising that they picked an infielder in the AAA rounds after claiming Jack Mayfield off waivers from Houston earlier this fall. Miller is an excellent athlete with plus speed. Miller is not listed in San Francisco’s Top 30 by MLBPipeline.
Jacob Pearson is another athletic find with tons of plus speed, but his bat is lagging behind. After poaching a few international prospects after Atlanta was sanctioned, they get a high upside speedster from LA. Pearson is not listed on Los Angeles’ Top 30 by MLBPipeline.
Finally, no Braves player was selected in the Rule 5 Draft.
Thomas Burrows was not selected in today’s Rule 5 Draft. 24th ranked prospect stays with the Braves. No other prospects were selected from Atlanta.
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) December 10, 2020
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