Braves prospect Brett Cumberland getting hot at Class A Rome

Braves prospect Brett Cumberland has been one of the hottest hitters in the South Atlantic League at Class A Rome for the past month and a half, writes Wayne Cavadi for SB Nation.

The 21-year-old catcher leads the South Atlantic League in on-base percentage (.438) and OPS (.966). He’s sixth in slugging percentage (.528), third in RBI (43) and tied for 10th in home runs (9).

He had a bit of a slump at the beginning of June, but he batted .357 in May, with 7 home runs and 29 RBI in 22 games. He was named the South Atlantic League’s Player of the Week for the last week in May.

A second-round pick out of the University of California in 2016, Cumberland ranks 29th on MLB.com's list of the Braves' top 30 prospects. He's their third-highest rated catcher -- behind Alex Jackson at No. 23 and Lucas Herbert at No. 28 -- and their 13th-highest rated position player.

About the Author

Jeff Haws

Former AJC sports writer, publicist Norman Arey dies at 84

Arey worked for the AJC on at least three separate occasions. In his final return to the newspaper, he co-wrote a hugely popular Atlanta society column called "Peach Buzz."

Weekend Predictions: Make it a sweep for Falcons, Georgia, Tech

Falcons, Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets all predicted to win in weekend matchups against the 49ers, Ole Miss and Duke.

The ‘prettiest little’ game day experience. How one Georgia G5 woos donors.

To attract the revenue to stay competitive at college football's top level, Georgia Southern is leaning into its game day experience and the personality of Kyle Merrero.

The Latest