The Los Angeles Angels have made a significant move in strengthening their bullpen. Right-hander Robert Stephenson has agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels, according to sources familiar with the deal. This signing comes as a major boost for the team, as Stephenson is considered the best reliever left on the market. With an incredible performance in the second half of last season, he has secured a deal worth $11 million per year.
While the Angels have made a promising signing, there are concerns regarding Stephenson’s elbow health. He started last season on the injured list due to elbow soreness. As a result, the Angels have included a conditional option in the contract. If Stephenson misses a specific amount of time due to an elbow injury, the option for the 2027 season will be triggered. This option comes at a value of $2.5 million if he requires Tommy John surgery or experiences a prolonged absence due to his elbow.
The Angels did not hesitate to invest heavily in Stephenson’s contract. Despite the concerns surrounding his elbow, they made him the second-highest-paid free agent reliever this winter. Only Josh Hader’s five-year, $95 million deal with the Houston Astros surpasses Stephenson’s contract. This demonstrates the Angels’ commitment to strengthening their bullpen and addressing their pitching woes from the previous season.
The Angels’ bullpen struggled in the previous season, finishing with a 4.88 ERA, ranking as the sixth worst in baseball. Carlos Estevez, the incumbent closer, was the notable standout. However, beyond him, there were many opportunities for improvement. The signing of Stephenson, along with relievers Adam Cimber, Luis Garcia, and Adam Kolarek, adds depth and experience to the bullpen. By bolstering their relief pitching, the Angels aim to enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season.
Stephenson’s performance in the second half of last season with the Tampa Bay Rays was nothing short of exceptional. After being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, he proved to be one of the best relievers in baseball. In just over 38 innings, he struck out 60 hitters and walked only eight, resulting in an impressive 2.35 ERA across 42 games. This stretch of excellence was a significant turning point in his career, as his previous performance had been below league average.
The Angels have high expectations for Stephenson as they rely on him to make a significant impact. With the departure of superstar Shohei Ohtani and a new manager in Ron Washington, the team is determined to remain competitive. Additionally, the return of superstar Mike Trout adds to their aspirations. However, to compete in their impressive division, which includes the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers, the Astros, and the Seattle Mariners, the Angels understand the need to add more talent. They have considered signing marquee players such as left-hander Blake Snell and first baseman/centerfielder Cody Bellinger in free agency.
The addition of Robert Stephenson to the Angels’ bullpen signifies a step in the right direction. The team recognizes the importance of solidifying their pitching staff and has made a significant investment to achieve this goal. With the potential for further additions in free agency and the return of key players, the Angels are determined to compete in a highly competitive division. As the upcoming season approaches, fans eagerly await the impact that Stephenson and the revamped bullpen will have on the team’s success.
Leave a Reply