Phillies reportedly interested in Robert Stephenson

The Phillies are in the mix for one of the top relievers available on the free agent market.

The club has shown interest in former Rays right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. Morosi also noted that the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers have also shown interest.

If the Phillies are looking for a right-handed leverage reliever to replace Craig Kimbrel in the bullpen, Stephenson is the best option available.

Stephenson’s stock rose dramatically following a trade from Pittsburgh to Tampa Bay last June. He posted a 2.35 ERA with 60 strikeouts across 38 1/3 innings with the Rays. Unlike Kimbrel, Stephenson would likely be used in a more flexible role tailored to Rob Thomson’s preference to play matchups.

Stephenson was teammates with Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham with the Reds back in 2016. Stephenson also had Cotham as an assistant pitching coach in Cincinnati from 2019 to 2020. He was also part of a trade that sent Jeff Hoffman to Cincinnati and Stephenson to Colorado.

There appears to be some movement at the top of the relief market. Jordan Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the San Francisco Giants and is expected to open the year as a starting pitcher. The Astros, according to a report from The Athletic, are making a push for closer Josh Hader.

Stephenson would join an already stacked Phillies bullpen that has Hoffman, José Alvarado, Seranthony Domínguez, Matt Strahm, and Gregory Soto. Orion Kerkering is also expected to be in the Opening Day bullpen, though he’ll have to win the job out of spring training.

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