The Los Angeles Angels have used free agency to make their first splash this summer. League sources told The Athletic that they reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson on a three-year, $33 million contract. There’s still a physical to complete the deal. Stephenson, who turns 31 in a month, just finished his 2023 professional season. Stephenson recorded a 2.35 ERA over 38 1/3 innings after being dealt by the Pirates to the Rays in the middle of the season. He was one of the most productive relievers in the game over that span, striking out 60 and walking just eight.
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.
