In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement with right-hander Robert Stephenson on a three-year contract worth $33 million. The deal comes with a conditional option that could be triggered in the event of an elbow injury. Sources familiar with the agreement revealed that the contract is set to become official once Stephenson completes his physical examination on Monday. This signing has given the Angels a much-needed boost in their bullpen, acquiring one of the best relievers remaining in the market.
Although Stephenson showcased an impressive performance during the second half of the previous season, there are concerns about his elbow health. The right-hander began the last season on the injured list due to elbow soreness, raising questions about his long-term durability. To safeguard themselves, the Angels negotiated an option for the 2027 season worth $2.5 million. This option will only be activated if Stephenson requires Tommy John surgery or faces an extended absence due to his elbow condition. It is a calculated risk for the Angels, as they invest heavily in the hopes that Stephenson’s health will hold up.
The Angels’ bullpen struggled throughout the previous season, finishing with a disappointing 4.88 ERA – the sixth worst in the league. The addition of Stephenson addresses a crucial area of concern for the team. Alongside incumbent closer Carlos Estevez, the Angels’ bullpen had plenty of room for improvement. The signings of right-handed relievers Adam Cimber and Luis Garcia, as well as left-handed reliever Adam Kolarek, complement Stephenson’s arrival. These free agent acquisitions demonstrate the Angels’ commitment to strengthening their relief pitching.
Stephenson’s stint with the Tampa Bay Rays after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates showcased his potential. In the final four months of the 2023 season, he emerged as one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. With an impressive 2.35 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 38⅓ innings across 42 games, Stephenson finally found his stride. This marked a significant improvement in his career, as his previous performances had placed him below league-average. The Angels are banking on Stephenson carrying his newfound success into the upcoming season and becoming a crucial asset in the bullpen.
The signing of Stephenson reflects the Angels’ determination to field a competitive team despite the loss of superstar Shohei Ohtani to free agency. Under new manager Ron Washington and with the return of superstar Mike Trout, the Angels aim to make a statement in the upcoming season. However, to truly compete in their challenging division, which includes the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers, the Houston Astros, and the Seattle Mariners, the Angels will need to add further talent to their roster.
While the acquisition of Stephenson is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the Angels’ bullpen, their activity in free agency may not end there. The team has reportedly considered signing marquee players such as left-hander Blake Snell and first baseman/centerfielder Cody Bellinger. These high-profile signings would significantly bolster the Angels’ chances of reaching their desired level of competitiveness. After finishing the previous season with a record of 73-89, it is clear that the Angels need to add top-tier talent to their roster to contend with their formidable division rivals and make a postseason push.
The Angels’ signing of Robert Stephenson represents both a significant opportunity and a potential risk. The three-year, $33 million deal places confidence in Stephenson’s recent performance while acknowledging the concerns surrounding his elbow health. As the Angels aim to establish themselves as contenders in a highly competitive division, the addition of Stephenson to their bullpen is a crucial step. However, their pursuit of further talent in free agency shows that they understand the magnitude of the challenge they face. Only time will tell if this calculated gamble will pay off for the Los Angeles Angels.
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