Chasen Shreve, LHP

Position: Reliever
Bat/Throw: L/L
Age: 29 (July 12, 1990)
Acquired: Minor League contract signed on 11/21/19

Among the 15 non-roster invitees currently announced, left-handed reliever Chasen Shreve is one that will definitely spark the big league coaching staffs’ interest.

The 6’4″, 195-pound left-hander was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. He played high school ball at Bonanza High School and college ball at College of Southern Nevada, where he was teammates with Bryce Harper and his brother Bryan Harper. Shreve was drafted in the 11th round of the 2010 draft by the Atlanta Braves.

After making his debut in 2014, where he pitched to a 0.73 ERA (1.43 FIP) with 15 strikeouts in 12.1 innings, he was traded to the New York Yankees along with David Carpenter for Manny Banuelos.

After spending three and a half seasons in the Bronx, he was dealt along with Giovanny Gallegos to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for international bonus slot money and first baseman Luke Voit.

The 29-year-old pitcher had a forgettable 2019 season, pitching in only three games, totaling just two innings and ultimately being designated for assignment by the Cardinals.

Key Numbers

For the 2020 season, the three batter rule will be in effect. Where a pitcher who enters the game, must face a minimum of three batters. Shreve has proven he can get right-handers out as they’re hitting .211 against him lifetime.

2020 Outlook

The bullpen going into Spring Training seems to have a lot of locked in spots. Justin Wilson, Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo, Dellin Betances, Jeurys Familia, Robert Gsellman and Brad Brach are likely to be on the Opening Day roster if they are healthy.

Depending on how the coaching staff decides to build their roster and use that extra spot gained in the rule changes for 2020, there is a real possibility Shreve will be in competition with Daniel Zamora and Stephen Gonsalves for that second left-handed reliever spot that was occupied by Luis Avilan last season. Michael Wacha or Steven Matz could become the team’s eighth reliever too if both are on the roster.

Chasen Shreve is a guy who had a forgettable 2019, spending most of his time in Triple-A, but going into 2020, he has a real chance of making the Opening Day roster.