Report: Dodgers Among Three Teams Interested in Free Agent Reliever

Robert Stephenson, the free agent reliever who turned his profession round in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays, is “drawing curiosity” from the Los Angeles Dodgers, in keeping with MLB Community’s Jon Morosi.

Stephenson, 30, reached the majors as a 23-year-old starter with the Cincinnati Reds in 2016, however has been relieving full-time since 2019. The Reds traded him to the Colorado Rockies in Nov. 2020, and he has performed for 3 groups in three seasons since.

After the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Stephenson to the Tampa Bay Rays final June, his outcomes took a dramatic flip. The Rays reportedly changed the hand position on Stephenson’s slider to unlock an additional 4 mph of velocity, from 84-85 to 88-89 after the commerce.

In 18 appearances with the Pirates final 12 months earlier than the commerce, Stephenson had a 1.429 WHIP and 5.14 ERA, with 17 strikeouts in 14 innings. In 42 appearances after the commerce, Stephenson’s ERA fell to 2.35, his WHIP plummeted to 0.678, and his strikeout charge shot up. Sixty of the 140 batters Stephenson confronted with Tampa Bay struck out.

Information of Stephenson’s market “selecting up” ought to be taken with a grain of salt. He’s been linked to a number of golf equipment (together with the Dodgers) since November. Now he’s one in an extended listing of free brokers but to consummate a deal.

MLB Commerce Rumors initially projected Stephenson to land a four-year, $36 million contract in free company. The demand for center relievers would possibly merely not have been excessive sufficient to fulfill Stephenson’s asking value, in the end forcing him to contemplate lesser provides.

The Dodgers have an open spot on their 40-man roster and a fairly deep bullpen. They’ve additionally been mentioned as a possible landing spot for left-handed nearer Josh Hader, and stayed in contact with veteran right-hander Ryan Brasier.

Picture Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports activities

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