Angels DFA Recently-Signed Infielder, Make Robert Stephenson Signing Official

The Halos make the Stephenson signing official after DFA'ing a recently signed minor leaguer.

The Los Angeles Angels officially announced the signing of their new relief pitcher, Robert Stephenson. 

OFFICIAL: The Angels have agreed to a three-year contract with RHP Robert Stephenson. pic.twitter.com/Hiryf0H9fX

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) January 23, 2024

Stephenson signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Angels. To make room on the 40-man roster for Stephenson, the Angels designated infielder Alfonso Rivas for assignment. 

The Angels announced the Robert Stephenson deal. It's 3 years, $33 million. (No mention of an option in the release, but we'll be talking to Perry Minasian shortly.)

The Angels DFA'd IF Alfonso Rivas to open a 40-man spot.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) January 23, 2024

The Angels claimed Rivas off waivers on Dec. 22 after the Cleveland Guardians DFA'd him on Dec. 15. The 27-year-old spent all of one month on the Halos, and will now head back to waivers. Prior to his limited time with the Halos, he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs. 

In his career, Rivas is a .243 hitter with seven home runs, 43 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. He has a career .673 OPS in 167 games.

Last season, Rivas began the season with the Padres, but only played in eight games before going to the Pirates. In Pittsburgh, he played in 40 games and slashed .234/.305/.436 with a .741 OPS. 

While Rivas heads to waivers, the Angels are bringing in Stephenson, who's sure to make a positive impact on one of baseball's worst bullpens from a year ago.

After getting traded to the Tampa Bay Rays from the Pirates last year, Stephenson had a 2.35 ERA in 42 appearances.