The Braves Select Four in the 2021 MILB Rule 5 Draft

The Atlanta Braves made four selections in the 2021 Minor League Rule 5 Draft.

The Atlanta Braves were one of the more active teams in today’s Minor League Rule 5 Draft. In total, they selected four players in the draft, while only losing one player.

Before getting into their draft selections, let us take a look at who they lost, 22-year-old left-handed pitcher, Gabriel Rodríguez.

In 2021, Rodríguez pitched in 27 games, pitching 32.0 innings, finishing 0-3 with an 8.44 ERA, 2.125 WHIP, 16.9 K/9, & 12.9 BB/9. He was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the first round.

Here is who the Braves selected in the MiLB Rule 5 draft.

Round 1- 1B John Nogowski (Giants)

Their first selection in the Rule 5 draft was first baseman, John Nogowski. While Nogowski was with the Giants organization at the time of the draft, he never appeared with their team.

In 2021, Nogowski split time between the Cardinals and the Pirates. He hit .233/.301/.310 with 1 HR, 14 R, 14 RBI, .279 wOBA, 70 wRC+, & and 85 OPS+.

Defensively, Nogowski provided a 3 DRS but a -2 OAA at first base.

He will provide solid organizational depth at first base and could be a benefit to have in case of an injury to a major league talent.

Round 2- LHP Luis De Avila (Royals)

The Braves’ second selection in the Rule 5 draft is 20-year-old Luis De Avila, a lefty from the Royals organization. He spent 2021 between Low-A and rookie ball.

At the ACL, he pitched in 3 games, tossing 5.1 innings with a 3.38 ERA,1.688 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, & 8.4 BB/9. In Low-A, he pitched in 24 games, with 52.1 innings pitched with a 5-4 record, 5.16 ERA, 1.682 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, & 3.3 BB/9.

Overall, that is 27 games, 57.2 innings, a 5-4 record, 4.99 ERA,1.682 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, & 3.7 BB/9. Overall, a raw left-handed pitcher that could benefit from different coaching.

Round 3- RHP Allan Winans (Mets)

The third selection in the Rule 5 draft, 26-year-old Allan Winans from the New York Mets organization. He spent 2021 between High-A and AA.

In High-A, he appeared in 12 games, pitching in 19.2 innings, finishing 1-2 with a 1.83 ERA, 0.915 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, & 3.2 BB/9. At AA, he appeared in 14 games, pitching in 27.1 innings, finishing 1-1 with a 1.65 ERA, 0.732 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, & 2.6 BB/9.

Overall, 26 games, 47.0 innings, 1.72 ERA, 0.809 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, & 2.9 BB/9 across two levels. He makes for an interesting relief depth piece. Could he make an appearance in the Braves bullpen soon?

Round 4- RHP Tanner Andrews (Marlins)

The final selection is 26-year-old Tanner Andrews from the Marlins. He did not pitch much in 2021.

He appeared in 4 games in AA, pitching in 5.2 innings with an 11.12 ERA, 1.059 WHIP, 14.3 K/9, & 1.6 BB/9. He will fill a depth reliever role in the Braves organization.

The Braves were active in the Minor League Rule 5 draft. They added valuable depth to their minor leagues that every organization values.

De Avila might be the most intriguing selection as a 20-year-old lefty. Maybe a different coaching perspective allows him to take the next step. Winans and Andrews could be interesting names to keep an eye on for the bullpen.