The Braves continue to unload players from the farm system in order to avoid penalties from international spending. The Braves finally accumulated over the $3.4 million they needed in international pool money to sign both Derian Cruz and Christian Pache. The team traded RHP Garrett Fulenchek to the Tampa Bay Rays for two international slots that equate out to around $494K.
Fulenchek, 19, was the Braves’ second round pick in 2014, and has some potential. He has the most upside of any player Atlanta has moved today. He didn’t have the strongest showing in 2014, however, and the Braves are stacked with arms. The team is finally targeting young positional players with their international money, and it’s a good sign to see.
The Braves get what they want in this deal, let’s just hope the Rays don’t make them regret it. I had Fulenchek ranked as the Braves’ 22nd best prospect.