The Tampa Bay Rays worked their magic once again during the 2023 regular season, trading for reliever Robert Stephenson.
At the time of the trade, in early June, the right-hander had a 5.14 ERA in 14 MLB innings.
The Rays overhauled his repertoire and helped him earn success.
In 38.1 frames with them, he posted a 2.35 ERA and struck out a whopping 60 batters.
Now a free agent, teams are lining up for his services.
“RHP Robert Stephenson has been one of the most popular free-agent relievers this offseason, sources say. Stephenson, who had a 0.678 WHIP over 42 appearances with the Rays this year, is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Cubs, and Angels, among other teams,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
RHP Robert Stephenson has been one of the most popular free-agent relievers this offseason, sources say.
Stephenson, who had a 0.678 WHIP over 42 appearances with the Rays this year, is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Cubs, and Angels, among other teams.@MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 27, 2023
That 0.678 WHIP is unbelievable, and the sample wasn’t exactly tiny.
Teams love reliable starters, yes.
However, they love utterly dominant relievers, perhaps even more.
Stephenson showed this season that he can comfortably fit that description.
Consistency hasn’t always been there for him: otherwise he wouldn’t have a 4.64 career ERA.
But he has pitched on really lousy teams and deserves a chance with a contender.
He got one this year with the Rays and delivered.
Now, he is looking to score a nice long-term contract to set himself up, and his family, for life.
Relievers with premium stuff have a chance at earning life-changing contracts, and he has that type of repertoire.
Landing with the Chicago Cubs or the Los Angeles Dodgers would be a dream scenario for Stephenson, as he would be competing for the playoffs every year.
The Los Angeles Angels are not as likely to give him that chance, but he could potentially close games which could be appealing.
In any case, he has options.
A lot of them.
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