3 Top Prospects Braves Must Protect as Rule 5 Draft Approaches

The Atlanta Braves, in preparation for the upcoming Rule 5 draft, added five of their top prospects to the roster, including prized young outfielder Christian Pache, to the MLB roster to prevent them from being selected. However, several of Atlanta's more intriguing young prospects could still be on the move. The Braves need to do everything in their power to hold onto these three gems.

3. RP Thomas Burrows

Burrows spent most of last year in Double-A with Mississippi or in Triple-A with Gwinnett, putting up an 4.42 ERA out of the bullpen. He may not overwhelm you with pure stuff, but the former Alabama lefty allowed just a .167 average against left-handed batters, showing that he could be a valuable commodity out of the 'pen for the Braves next year if they find themselves in need of a lefty to grind out tough outs as they make a push for the playoffs.

2. SS/OF Ray-Patrick Didder

Didder struggled last year, barely finishing the year over the Mendoza line with a .203 average and just four home runs in 114 games at Double-A. However, Didder is a top-shelf athlete. He can flat out fly, and has the versatility to play both middle infield and the outfield. Didder would be one of those prospects who hits his stride after he gets a fresh start elsewhere, and the Braves could look foolish if the give up on him so early.

1. SP Jasseel De La Cruz

De La Cruz might be young, but he is just oozing potential. A 215-pound righty with a lethal fastball, he pumps into the zone effortlessly. Once De La Cruz manages to further command his sharp-breaking off-speed stuff, he could shoot through the minor league system and head to the majors. His kind of raw talent shouldn't be thrown into the Rule 5 pool.