Travis Bergen, LHP. DOB: 10/8/1993. 6'1", 205 lbs.
2018 A+: 0-1, 1.71, 21 IP, 13.29 K/9, 2.57 BB/9, 1 Save.
2018 AA: 4-1, 0.50, 35.2 IP, 10.85 K/9, 2.27 BB/9, 7 Saves.
Travis Bergen was the Giants other Rule 5 draft pick, actually the first rounder vs Drew Ferguson in the second round. Bergen is a lefty reliever who put up fantastic numbers at two minor league levels in 2018 after not pitching much in previous seasons. The Giants have plenty of lefty relievers so this pick was widely seen as a depth pick to help set up a potential trade of Will Smith and/or Tony Watson. Lefty relievers who can put up those kinds of numbers in AA can probably go straight to MLB, so there is a good chance that Bergen is good enough to stick on the active MLB roster.
Fangraphs scouting report says he started out his pro career as strictly a lefty specialist but the Blue Jays changed his stride to come more directly to home plate which has made him more effective against RH batters. Now he projects as a lefty who can face multiple batters. Fangraphs also has him with a low 90's FB, a plus curveball and a "tumbling" changeup. That changeup is likely what will ultimately determine if he is indeed a lefty who can be trusted to face RH batters. Heck, that repertoire might even enable him to be stretched out and start!
Whether he sticks with the Giants probably depends on their success in finding a great return in trade for Smith/Watson. Gotta like the numbers and scouting report. Now all he has to do is get some appearances and translate it into MLB success.
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Was Gio Brusa dropped entirely, no hope he'll get out of A+?
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