San Francisco Giants 2019 Spring Training Preview: Relief Pitchers

The Longshots

Travis Bergen

The Giants selected Travis Bergen in the Rule 5 draft from the Toronto Blue Jays and he could be one of those “out of nowhere” Giants finds. One thing that people rave about with Bergen is his ability to compete against righties and his exceptional spin rate on his curveball. Obviously his ability to pitch against RHH will be a huge boost to his prospects of making the Major League team as he can slot in as more than a situational lefty. Also, with the uncertain future of Will Smith and Tony Watson, Bergen can emerge as an heir apparent with a strong spring.

Jake Barrett

The Giants picked up Jake Barrett recently from the Arizona Diamondback Organization and I hate his facial hair in his profile picture. Come on!

Prediction: The Giants have a history of putting together solid bullpens. The real challenge this year will be how all the relievers who may be openers and all the starters who may relieve openers handle these new roles. It will be a year of experimentation and being flexible is something that is not always easy to find in a traditionally rigid game. Another challenge will be how the Giants maintain chemistry once players start to get traded as it is highly doubtful that the bullpen on opening day will be the same as it is on August 1st. My hope is that the Giants bullpen pitches great and plays well above expectations so they become more attractive trade targets that can net some much needed positional depth.