This article is part of our Bernie on the Scene series.
This is my last installment of players taken in the recent Rule 5 MLB Draft.
Some of the players I have profiled will be important in fantasy, as many will make the club's 26-man roster. If they don't stick all season, they have to be returned to their original team for half the purchase price, $50,000.
Trevor Stephan, Indians from Yankees
Right-handed pitcher
Pick: 24
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Trevor Stephan has the type of frame scouts seek in pitchers. But his velocity hasn't lived up to the strength of his frame. He has made it as far as Double-A.
To this point in his career, Stephan has been a fairly consistent righty with an emphasis on his fastball and slider combination. The limited repertoire means a career in the bullpen, likely a role as a middle reliever. His fastball is 89-91 mph, which isn't great velocity in today's game. His slider also sits at the same velocity.
A third-round pick of the Yankees in 2017 out of Arkansas, he never really climbed the Yankees prospect ladder and became expendable.
Conclusions: I think it will be tough for Stephen to stick with the parent club all year. Based upon what I have seen, he isn't better than the pitchers currently targeted for middle relief with the Indians.
Ka'ai Tom, A's from Indians
Outfield
Pick: 26
With the Indians' outfield woes, I was surprised they exposed the left-handed hitting Tom to the draft. But they did, and he
