More Details Emerge in Angels' Robert Stephenson Signing
The Los Angeles Angels shocked many in the baseball world with their signing of right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson. The Halos had been looking to upgrade their bullpen, but many believed Stephenson would land elsewhere.
He now becomes a key member of the Angels bullpen and should receive plenty of playing time.
At the time, it was only reported that Stephenson had signed a three-year deal with an option. Now, we know the full contract details, per Sam Blum of The Athletic.
"The Los Angeles Angels have made their first free-agency splash of the offseason. They agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal with right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson, league sources tell The Athletic. The deal is still pending a physical."
Additionally, Stephenson's option is structured to benefit the Angels if Stephenson gets hurt during his tenure in Anaheim, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
"The Angels will receive an option for the 2027 season at $2.5 million if his elbow needs Tommy John surgery or causes a long absence, according to sources."
The righty finished the 2023 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, posting an ERA of 2.35 and an impressive WHIP of 0.68. The Rays showed him how to better use his pitches, and it worked to perfection.
Batters had a .101 batting average against his cutter he added to his repertoire. It helped him overcome his slow start to the season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and helped earn him a nice contract from the Halos.
The Angels bullpen wasn't very good last season, finishing with an ERA of 4.88. Stephenson instantly becomes one of the top guys in an otherwise shaky bullpen.
Fans have been very excited since the signing, as he was the first big splash for this team. The front office has been looking all over the place for help across the board, and this may be the first of a few moves.
If Stephenson can replicate his production from the second half of the year, it will be a major win for the Angels. The team is very high on him, and it was reflected in the contract they gave him.
