Angels, Reliever Robert Stephenson in Agreement on Free Agent Deal

This is their first big signing of the offseason.

The Los Angeles Angels have reportedly made their first major signing of the 2023-24 offseason, agreeing to a deal with right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson. The deal is pending a physical and was reported by Robert Murray of FanSided.

Free-agent pitcher Robert Stephenson in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, pending physical, according to sources familiar with the deal.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 20, 2024

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, it's a three-year deal with an option.

Stephenson gets 3 years plus option https://t.co/tKyqXxvFBq

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2024

After a slow start to 2023, the right-hander finished the year strong after being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. He made 42 appearances with the Rays and had a 2.35 ERA and an incredible 0.68 WHIP.

In Tampa, he abandoned his slider and opted to throw a cutter instead. The cutter became his primary — and most effective — pitch for him for the rest of the season. Batters had a .101 batting average against his cutter with an astounding 59.9 Whiff%. 

The Angels will look to Stephenson, 30, to bolster a bullpen that finished 25th in MLB in ERA (4.88).  

Stephenson grew up in Southern California. Born in Martinez, he attended Alhambra High School before the Reds drafted him in the first round of the 2011 draft.

He made his debut in 2016 with the Reds who used him as a starter in his first three seasons. They transitioned him to the bullpen in 2019 where he has stayed.

Stephenson bounced around the league from Colorado to Pittsburgh to Tampa Bay. In his eight eight-year career, he has a 4.64 ERA, 4.59 FIP, and a 10.0 SO/9. 

The Angels still have more work to do. They still need another outfielder, and the starting rotation and infield could use a little love before Opening Day.