The Philadelphia Phillies have only made one significant acquisition thus far, and Spring Training is just one month away.
Although the acquisition of Aaron Nola was undoubtedly significant, there appear to be a few other areas on this squad that might be improved before the 2024 season begins.
Rob Thomson undoubtedly has a preference for the potential newcomers, and it appears that the front office shares his way of thinking.
The Phillies are still interested in reliever Robert Stephenson, who many believe to be the finest right-handed bullpen piece on the market, according to MLB insider Jon Morosi.
With the addition of a cut fastball to his repertoire, the 30-year-old became an unexpected star for the Tampa Bay Rays, posting an ERA of 2.35 in 42 games. He also posted his best FIP (2.45) and WHIP (0.678), as well as the most strikeouts per nine innings ratio (14.2) of his career.
This suggests that, as a reliever, that new pitch will be extremely beneficial to him.
He was with the Pittsburgh Pirates before to being traded to the Rays, where he was having a less successful season in 2023 than he had in 2022.
Stephenson posted a 5.14 ERA in 18 games with the Pirates last season, after his 3.38 ERA in 13 games the season before.
Given that his brief time with Tampa Bay was the pinnacle of his career, there is concern about estimating what the right-hander can accomplish going ahead.
After spending two years with the Colorado Rockies, he posted a 4.57 ERA, a 4.28 ERA in Pittsburgh, and a 5.15 ERA in his five years with the Cincinnati Reds.
After he was acquired by the Rays, everything was different.
Philadelphia appears to be confident in his ability to remain a top-tier bullpen option as they plan to pursue the star righty in the offseason.
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