Robert Stephenson, the free agent reliever who turned his profession round in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays, is “drawing curiosity” from the Los Angeles Dodgers, in line with MLB Community’s Jon Morosi.
Stephenson, 30, reached the majors as a 23-year-old starter with the Cincinnati Reds in 2016, however has been relieving full-time since 2019. The Reds traded him to the Colorado Rockies in Nov. 2020, and he has performed for 3 groups in three seasons since.
After the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Stephenson to the Tampa Bay Rays final June, his outcomes took a dramatic flip. The Rays reportedly modified the hand place on Stephenson’s slider to unlock an additional 4 mph of velocity, from 84-85 to 88-89 after the commerce.
In 18 appearances with the Pirates final yr earlier than the commerce, Stephenson had a 1.429 WHIP and 5.14 ERA, with 17 strikeouts in 14 innings. In 42 appearances after the commerce, Stephenson’s ERA fell to 2.35, his WHIP plummeted to 0.678, and his strikeout fee shot up. Sixty of the 140 batters Stephenson confronted with Tampa Bay struck out.
Information of Stephenson’s market “choosing up” needs to be taken with a grain of salt. He’s been linked to a number of golf equipment (together with the Dodgers) since November. Now he’s one in an extended record of free brokers but to consummate a deal.
MLB Commerce Rumors initially projected Stephenson to land a four-year, $36 million contract in free company. The demand for center relievers may merely not have been excessive sufficient to fulfill Stephenson’s asking value, in the end forcing him to contemplate lesser provides.
The Dodgers have an open spot on their 40-man roster and a reasonably deep bullpen. They’ve additionally been talked about as a attainable touchdown spot for left-handed nearer Josh Hader, and stayed in contact with veteran right-hander Ryan Brasier.
Picture Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports activities
Have you ever subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to remain updated on all the newest Dodgers information, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and extra!
