The Atlanta Braves are proactive in acquiring players, whether they’re highly ranked or not, and who might not be on everyone’s radar. With the Rule 4 Draft now limited to 20 rounds, many players who might have been selected in the later rounds have become undrafted free agents (UDFAs).
After the draft, the Braves signed four promising undrafted free agents, including two catchers and two pitchers, which makes discussing them as a potential battery quite fitting. Here’s a closer look at these players:
Derek Vartanian – RHP – Campbell
Derek Dewey Vartanian is the only ranked UDFA the Braves have signed. The 20-year-old right-hander from Monroe, North Carolina, stood at number 500 on Baseball America’s pre-draft list. Vartanian played two seasons at Gaston (N.C.) JC, going 9-1 with a 3.08 ERA in 76 innings. He then transferred to Campbell in 2024, where he made three starts with a 2-1 record over 11 innings before an injury halted his season. Despite some inconsistencies, he has shown potential with a fastball reaching 98 mph and a solid strikeout rate.
Derek Vartanian spun six scoreless innings in which he struck out 11 for @GoCamelsBSB on Friday
The Camels swept the weekend and landed on our College Top 25pic.twitter.com/YaNonB5ygo
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) February 26, 2024
Mac Guscette – C – Alabama
Mac Lyle Guscette, a 6-foot, 190-pound catcher from the University of Alabama, previously played at Florida before transferring. Guscette had a strong performance at Alabama, hitting .291 with a .844 OPS over 320 at-bats in 98 games. His improved hitting and excellent plate discipline (9.7% strikeout rate) make him a promising prospect, and at 22, he has room to develop further.
Jacob Gomez – LHP – Old Dominion
Jacob Mattew Gomez, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound lefty from Englewood, New Jersey, had a mixed career at Old Dominion. Over four seasons, he had a 4.30 ERA but excelled in his final year, posting a 2.88 ERA and 1.047 WHIP over 56+ innings with 64 strikeouts. His performance earned him a spot on the NCBWA’s Stopper of the Year Award Midseason Watch List.
College baseball is right around the corner and here is the first of our 2024 Draft Eligible Players. First up is LHP Jacob Gomez out of Old Dominion. At 5’10 & 198 lbs., Jacob has been a consistent arm for ODU since his freshman year. @d1baseball @winthegrind #pitcher #mlb… pic.twitter.com/HCovZSHm6w
— PrimeAgency (@primeagency__) January 14, 2024
Austin Machado – C – Hawaii
Austin James Machado, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound left-handed hitter from the University of Hawaii, transferred from St. Johns where he had an impressive batting record. At Hawaii, Machado hit .303 with a .949 OPS and demonstrated versatility by playing both catcher and designated hitter. The Braves have listed him as a catcher, but his scouting video suggests he could also play some outfield.
While undrafted free agents face an uphill battle, each one brings something unique to the table. Vartanian’s potential as a hard-throwing pitcher, Guscette’s impressive hitting, Gomez’s recent standout performance, and Machado’s intriguing bat all offer hope. The Braves might have found a gem or two in this group.