After my first edition of the “who should be protected in the rule 5 draft” was published, 3 of the players have already been called up and made their major league debuts. Things get a lot more interesting with Nick Gonzales, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Quinn Priester off the board. I now present “Who should be protected in the Rule 5 draft 2.0”.

The locks 

Honestly I don’t see anyone as a shoe in candidate to be protected. I believe the guys in the “should be protected” are the most likely options but I also see an option where the Pirates don’t select anyone for protection. 

Should be Protected 

RHP Braxton Ashcraft should be protected. A 2nd round pick in 2018, Ashcraft was immediately one of the top Pirates prospects. Unfortunately, he underwent Tommy John surgery halfway through 2021, and missed the entirety of 2022. He bounced back in a good way in 2023 dominating Greensboro with a 3.76 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 26 innings. He earned the promotion to Double A Altoona on June 20th and hasn’t given up a run since. He is averaging a strikeout per inning but he hasn’t thrown much in Altoona. He still seems to be getting used to a heavier workload post surgery but he has looked and earned the part in my eyes to be worthy of protection come winter. 

RHP Kyle Nicolas should be protected. He returned to Double A Altoona to start 2023, and did really solid. He held a 4.36 ERA but his eye popping stat was his 63 strikeouts in 53 innings. He earned his promotion to Triple A Indianapolis on June 16th. He has struggled to adapt to Triple A but like many pitchers it takes time. 25 strikeouts in 14 innings shows promise but his 11.05 ERA needs work. If he shows a turn around and adaptation in August and September, he will earn himself a spot on the 40 man roster. 

INF Tsung-Che Cheng should be protected. He flew under the radar coming into 2023 as a prospect who had the potential of taking the next step. Representing Chinese Taipei in the World Baseball Classic as one of the youngest players in the tournament, and hit the ball phenomenally well. He started off scorching hot with High A Greensboro hitting a .308 average, 31 RBIs, and 9 home runs in his 57 games. That earned Tsung-Che a call up to Double A Altoona on June 22. He’s still adjusting to the new level but he’s slowly starting to gain some traction. If he starts to heat back up, a spot on the 40 man roster is as good as his. 

Strong Consideration 

UTIL Jase Bowen makes a good case. Bowen has had a heck of a season in High A Greensboro. 17 home runs, 64RBIs, and a .260 average should have him knocking on the door for a promotion to Double A Altoona. Bowen can also play outfield and infield so his versatility is unmatched. Bowens make or break and deciding factor will come down to whether he continues his play when promoted to the next level. Don’t be surprised to see him move up the list. 

OF Matt Gorski makes a good case. Surprisingly, the 2nd round pick in 2019 wasn’t protected last year after hitting 24 runs across all 4 levels. Gorski returned to Double A Altoona for 2023 and has hit the ball about well. 13 home runs and 46RBIs are amongst the league best but he holds a 29% strikeout percentage. The defense has looked good as well so he could get promoted fairly soon. Depending on how the Pirates handle the outfield logjam, Gorski might squeeze his way on the roster. 

SS Alika Williams makes a good case. What a surprise he has been. He was traded to the Pirates for Robert Stephenson and since then he has a .300 average, 14 RBIs, and 6 home runs since his trade on June 3rd. Williams is really starting to show his potential and he is really fighting for that promotion to the big league level. Don’t be surprised in the 3.0 article to see his name move up to either lock or should be protected. 

Other notable namesINF Andres Alvarez, INF Maikol Escotto, OF Matt Frazier, OF Hudson Head, INF Dariel Lopez, INF Alex Mojica, INF Malcom Nunez, OF Connor Scott, INF Aaron Shackleford, OF Sammy Siani, C Dylan Shockley. 

Names to look ahead to in 2024: Nick Dombkowski, Jackson Glenn, Jared Jones, Mike Jarvis, Tyler Samaneigo, Sean Sullivan.