Angels Fans React to Halos Making First Big Signing of 2023 Offseason

The optimism is all over the place.

The Los Angeles Angels finally made a big splash in the free agency market. The New York Post's baseball columnist Jon Heyman reported that the Angels had signed top right-handed relief pitcher Robert Stephenson. 

Robert Stephenson to Angels. Righty reliever is one of the best,

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2024

According to many pundits, Stephenson was among the top 25 free agents in the market. He now lands in Southern California as the Halos attempt to build a contender this offseason.

Angels fans should be ecstatic about the addition of Stephenson. That seems to be the case with many, but some aren't as optimistic. 

Angels trying to put bandaids on a gunshot wound

— Caleb (@513Caleb) January 20, 2024

LOL Angels overpay for another guy who had a small bit of success. He'll revert to form and they'll be stuck.

— funwithnumberz (@funwithnumberz) January 20, 2024

Jeff, finally angels did something! Love it. Keep adding more talent

— Troy Means (@troymeans) January 20, 2024

Very good pick up.

— Wallfacer’s Smile (@Reece_17) January 20, 2024

As I said, some fans are more optimistic than others. Stephenson's career ERA isn't too much to flash about, but his numbers as of June 2023 were elite as elite gets. He ranked first in strikeout percentage (44.7%), strikeout-walk percentage (40.7%), 0.65 WHIP, 1.82 xFIP, 31.6 31.6 SwStr% and a 49.6% chase rate. 

Stephenson is the definition of "what have you done for me lately." His numbers show that he is worth the money. On top of those numbers, his tweaker slider is an elite pitch, along with his fastball, which travels 96.8 MPH and a splitter. 

The Halos haven't had a pitcher pan out for them via the free-agent market. Hopefully, that all changes with Stephenson over the next three seasons.