Dodgers Among Three Teams Interested in Free Agent Reliever
Robert Stephenson, the free agent reliever who turned his career around in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays, is “drawing interest” from the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
As the Josh Hader talks pick up with Houston, per @Ken_Rosenthal and @Chandler_Rome, the market is moving forward for Robert Stephenson, the top available righty reliever.
The Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies are among the clubs with interest in Stephenson. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 19, 2024
Stephenson, 30, reached the majors as a 23-year-old starter with the Cincinnati Reds in 2016, but has been relieving full-time since 2019. The Reds traded him to the Colorado Rockies in Nov. 2020, and he has played for three teams in three seasons since.
After the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Stephenson to the Tampa Bay Rays last June, his results took a dramatic turn. The Rays reportedly changed the hand position on Stephenson’s slider to unlock an extra 4 mph of velocity, from 84-85 to 88-89 after the trade.
In 18 appearances with the Pirates last year before the trade, Stephenson had a 1.429 WHIP and 5.14 ERA, with 17 strikeouts in 14 innings. In 42 appearances after the trade, Stephenson’s ERA fell to 2.35, his WHIP plummeted to 0.678, and his strikeout rate shot up. Sixty of the 140 batters Stephenson faced with Tampa Bay struck out.
News of Stephenson’s market “picking up” should be taken with a grain of salt. He’s been linked to multiple clubs (including the Dodgers) since November. Now he’s one in a long list of free agents yet to consummate a deal.
MLB Trade Rumors initially projected Stephenson to land a four-year, $36 million contract in free agency. The demand for middle relievers might simply not have been high enough to meet Stephenson’s asking price, ultimately forcing him to consider lesser offers.
The Dodgers have an open spot on their 40-man roster and a fairly deep bullpen. They have also been mentioned as a possible landing spot for left-handed closer Josh Hader, and stayed in touch with veteran right-hander Ryan Brasier.
