A tale as old as time: a struggling pitcher heads to Tampa Bay in a minor move and thrives. In 2023, that pitcher was Robert Stephenson, who had just agreed to a 3-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Acquired by the Rays mid-season trade last year, Stephenson’s breakout came at a perfect time. In a shallow free-agent class for relievers, the 30-year-old represented one of the better bullpen options available this winter.
Robert Stephenson to Angels. Righty reliever is one of the best,
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2024
Stephenson gets 3 years plus option https://t.co/tKyqXxvFBq
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2024
Angels Sign Robert Stephenson
Stephenson was a legitimate prospect in the Reds system after Cincinnati selected him in the first round of the 2011 draft. He struggled in the upper minors and failed to stick in the majors with the Reds before being traded to Colorado in 2020.
He pitched great out of the Rockies bullpen in 2021. In 46 innings, Stephenson produced a 3.13 ERA (154 ERA+) while striking out 10.2 per nine. While it seemed like he finally broke out after the change of scenery trade, Stephenson regressed in 2022.
He struggled in 45 games with Colorado before the Pirates claimed him off waiver. His career in Pittsburgh played out similarly to his Rockies career. Stephenson pitched well with the Pirates at the end of 2022.. but struggled in 2023.
Robert Stephenson was the best reliever in baseball in the 2nd Half
24 IP, 1.50 ERA
0.68 WHIP (1st)
1.83 xFIP (1st)
46.4% K% (1st)
42.9% K-BB% (1st)
45.6% CSW (1st)
30.1% SwStr (1st)
19% HardHit% (1st)He’s about to get PAIDpic.twitter.com/DdVAVEWHk4
— Crump. (@jakecrumpler) December 3, 2023
Stephenson finally put it all together in Tampa Bay after being traded in June. In 38.1 innings, Stephenson pitched to a 2.35 ERA (179 ERA+) with a great 42.9 percent strikeout rate and 5.7 percent walk rate. He always threw hard and featured a decent slider. However, Tampa taught Stephenson a cutter that he eventually relied on heavily.
With Tampa, Stephenson threw his new cutter over 40 percent of the time with great success. With a 12 12-run value, it was one of the better pitchers in the game at preventing runs. Additionally, Stephenson benefitted from throwing his fastball less (it wasn’t a good pitch for him). He also threw the slider less, although it remained as effective (3 3-run value in Tampa and Pittsburgh).
Stephenson will bring his great talent to his new club. However, he must prove that he can finally have consistent success. Due to Stephenson’s sky-high upside, this deal could represent one of the better off-season grabs.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
