Angels Release Robert Stephenson After Injury-Stricken Tenure
The Los Angeles Angels have officially made Robert Stephenson a free agent by declining their $2.5 million club option for the 2027 season. This decision concludes his time with the team, during which he pitched only 10 innings over three seasons.
Stephenson's career took a positive turn after being traded from the Pirates to the Rays in June 2023, where he achieved a 2.35 ERA and a remarkable 42.9% strikeout rate in 38 1/3 innings. However, after signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels in January 2024, he faced significant setbacks, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season and part of 2025, along with other elbow and biceps issues.
In April 2026, Stephenson underwent another procedure for elbow problems, which kept him off the field for the entire season. The Angels' decision to decline the option may reflect ongoing concerns about his health, especially following the departure of former GM Perry Minasian, who had initially signed him. As Stephenson approaches 34, he may find himself limited to minor league contracts as he seeks to continue his career.
