Robert Stephenson Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 3" / 205 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 2/24/1993 (30)
- Experience
- 7
- College
- None
Robert Stephenson Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Robert Stephenson News
Free-agent right-hander Robert Stephenson has been one of the most popular free-agent relievers this offseason, according to sources. Stephenson had a 0.678 WHIP in 42 appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 and is drawing interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels, among other clubs. The 30-year-old former first-round pick has an underwhelming career 4.64 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in eight big-league seasons, but he also has a 25.9 percent strikeout rate and looked pretty dominant as a late-inning reliever for the Rays this past season. Depending on where he lands, he could be a sneaky high-leverage fantasy reliever in 2024 in leagues that reward points for holds.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in exchange for minor-league shortstop Alika Williams, according to a source. Stephenson had a 5.14 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 18 relief outings (14 innings) for the Reds this season. The 30-year-old has also posted an underwhelming 5.38 ERA in 76 relief appearances since the start of last year. The Rays will attempt to get something out of the former first-rounder, and if any team can turn him around, it would be Tampa. Williams, also a former first-rounder, was hitting .237 (37-for-156) with 11 doubles, a triple, five home runs, 23 RBI, three stolen bases and 21 runs scored in 42 games for Double-A Montgomery in the Rays system.
Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Robert Stephenson (elbow) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. The 30-year-old has been coping with right elbow discomfort and hasn't made an appearance in spring training. The Pirates are hoping for him to throw one more bullpen session before re-evaluating him. Stephenson spent his 2022 campaign with the Pirates and Colorado Rockies. He posted a 5.43 ERA (4.23 FIP) with 55 strikeouts across 58 innings. The right-hander was shipped to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in a transaction that also sent minor-leaguer Jameson Hannah to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for reliever Jeff Hoffman. Once Stephenson was dealt to the Pirates, he completely transformed. He composed a 3.38 ERA with a 0.825 WHIP through 13 appearances. The Pirates are hoping that his success carries over to the 2023 season.
