He added a cutter to his repertoire last season and started utilizing his splitter more as well. Stephenson spent the first five seasons of his career in Cincinnati. He also pitched for the Rockies before joining the Pirates.
Carlos Estévez figures to be the incumbent closer. But he’ll be joined in the late innings by Stephenson, his former teammate in Colorado. Stephenson has just three career saves.
Stephenson represents the fourth major-league free-agent deal of the offseason for the Angels. They signed lefty Adam Kolarek to a one-year contract worth $900,000. He has since been sent through waivers. Zach Plesac signed a one-year, $1 million deal and reliever Luis Garcia agreed to a one-year, $4.25 million contract.
While the Angels have typically shied away from multiyear deals for starting pitchers, the team has shown a willingness to sign relievers to longer deals. Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera and Estévez each signed for two seasons.