Cleveland Indians: Three players to watch during Spring Training

Trevor Stephan

While there are unknowns about all three players on this list, there’s more mystery surrounding Trevor Stephan. Jones and Arias have time to improve if needed, but Stephan was a Rule 5 selection and will be in Cleveland this season. The one similarity between the three is the question we’re asking. Where will he fit in?

Stephan’s highest level of play is at Double-A where he’s appeared in a total of 29 games, starting all 29. Now, not playing in 2020 surely derailed his progression a bit and it can be assumed he would have received time at least in Triple-A. Nevertheless, there’s a lot we don’t know about him that Spring Training could tell us.

As I said, he started all 29 games he pitched in while at Double-A. In fact, he’s started 69 of 71 games he’s appeared in going back to his college days at Arkansas. Last time I checked, the Cleveland Indians have a rather solid starting five and don’t need Stephan there.

Alright, so he’s a long-reliever in the bullpen? Well, that spot is a bit occupied as well. Both Cal Quantrill and Logan Allen are traditionally starting pitchers that the Tribe have moved to the bullpen. Would the Indians really carry three long-relievers in the pen or is Quantrill or Allen the odd man out?

This is why Stephan will be intriguing to watch. It’s been a while since the Indians have had a player set for the regular season roster that has a role as unknown as Stephan’s. Unless there’s another move made before the start of the season, it will remain one of the bigger question marks of Spring Training.