3 Teams Showing Interest In Free Agent Robert Stephenson

Free agent right-hander Robert Stephenson has become one of the more sought-after targets of the 2023 MLB offseason, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels all expressing strong interest in acquiring his services.

Despite not being a headline name in the offseason market, Stephenson's recent performance, particularly during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, has propelled him into the spotlight.

Stephenson's resurgence came after making a strategic shift from a slider to a cutter, resulting in remarkable statistics.

During his time with the Rays, he posted a stellar 2.35 ERA in 38.1 innings, striking out an impressive 42.9% of batters faced while maintaining a low 5.7% walk rate.

RHP Robert Stephenson has been one of the most popular free-agent relievers this offseason, sources say.

Stephenson, who had a 0.678 WHIP over 42 appearances with the Rays this year, is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Cubs, and Angels, among other teams.@MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 27, 2023

This transformation has made him an intriguing target for these three teams, each with its own motivations.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their strong bullpen, see Stephenson as a potential luxury addition, although they also have other areas to address in their roster.

The Chicago Cubs, historically favoring one-year deals for relievers, might need to adjust their approach to secure Stephenson, especially after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023.

As for the Los Angeles Angels, who have struggled to assemble a reliable bullpen in recent years, they are actively seeking solutions to improve their pitching staff, and Stephenson's addition could be a significant step toward achieving that goal.

The competition for Stephenson's services sets the stage for an intriguing offseason bidding process. Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports