Amid the setback of losing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the free agency period, the Los Angeles Angels are striving to bolster their roster and maintain competitiveness. Recent reports reveal that the Angels have reached an agreement with 30-year-old relief pitcher Robert Stephenson, as disclosed by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
While specific details of Stephenson’s contract with the Angels are yet to be officially confirmed, @Jolly_Olive of Jomboy Media suggests that the deal is valued at $30 million over three years, featuring an option whose exact terms—whether player, club, mutual, or vesting—remain unclear.
Robert Stephenson’s baseball journey initially saw him as a starter in the Cincinnati Reds system. However, after three seasons of subpar performance in that role, the Reds made a strategic move, transitioning Stephenson to the bullpen, where he experienced a positive turning point in his career.
Despite encountering challenges in recent seasons, Stephenson embarked on the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a 5.14 ERA in 18 relief appearances covering 14 innings. Subsequently, the Tampa Bay Rays seized the opportunity to acquire him, leading to a remarkable transformation. Stephenson excelled with the Rays, achieving a 2.35 ERA in 38.1 innings, marked by significantly improved peripheral statistics.
Under the Rays’ tutelage, Stephenson’s strikeout rate soared to 14.88 K/9, while his walk rate substantially decreased to 1.88 per nine innings—a notable recipe for success. The question now arises whether Stephenson’s resurgence is attributed to the Rays’ exceptional pitching coaching or if he has genuinely harnessed his capabilities for optimal performance.
The Angels, confronted with a bullpen of moderate standing, are banking on Stephenson to maintain the high level of play exhibited during his tenure with the Rays. If successful, Stephenson could be a valuable addition, potentially contending for the Angels’ closer role alongside the incumbent Carlos Estevez. As the Angels aim to navigate the challenges of free agency, the acquisition of Stephenson becomes a pivotal move in their quest for competitiveness in the upcoming season.
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