3 more relievers the LA Angels should sign after adding Robert Stephenson

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The Los Angeles Angels finally made their first move of the offseason, signing reliever Robert Stephenson to a three-year deal worth $33 million. The deal includes an option for a fourth season as well. It's a contract earned from his terrific stint with the Rays. What makes it a concern, however, is the fact that he wasn't even with the Rays for a full season before the Angels paid him like an elite reliever.

Stephenson had a 4.90 ERA through his first seven MLB seasons and 211 appearances. The high ERA was impacted by some rough outings as a starter and some struggles at Coors Field, but Stephenson was nothing more than a journeyman before finding his way with the Rays. After being traded to Tampa Bay this past June, Stephenson completely turned his career around, posting a 2.35 ERA in 42 appearances and 38.1 innings pitched. He looked like one of the best relievers in baseball thanks in large part to a new grip on his slider.

If Stephenson pitches like the Rays version of himself then the deal is a slam dunk. The Angels are in desperate need of bullpen help, and could really use a dominant Stephenson. However, his lack of a track record being that guy raises concerns about an expensive three-year commitment. Even with an elite Stephenson this bullpen could use another arm. These three make a whole lot of sense.

3) Matt Moore

The Angels signed Matt Moore last offseason who had a very similar trajectory to Stephenson. Moore had his ups and downs as a starter to begin his career, and things got so bad to the point where he pitched in Japan to re-establish his value. That didn't exactly pan out as he struggled the following season with the Phillies, but then, after a permanent move to the bullpen, he was a completely different pitcher.

Moore was dominant with the Rangers during the 2022 season, earning a contract with the Angels that offseason. The difference was Moore signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. Nowhere near the risk Stephenson's deal brings. Fortunately for the Angels, he was the only consistent reliever they had for the full season, as he posted a 2.66 ERA in 41 appearances and 44 innings pitched in an Angels uniform.

Moore was lights out as Carlos Estevez's primary set-up man, the role Stephenson will likely take over. With Josh Hader off the board, Moore is the best left-handed reliever available. The Angels' best lefty in the bullpen would likely be Jose Suarez if the season started today. That, for obvious reasons, is not good enough.

Even with how good Moore has been for the last couple of seasons, his age (34) will limit him from getting the deal Stephenson got, making him a very realistic option for the Angels.

2) Wandy Peralta

The need for a left-handed reliever is glaring on this team. The Angels really need a pitcher who can get the likes of Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, and Corey Seager out in a big spot. Having a shutdown lefty is a recipe for success for almost any bullpen. While Moore should be the Angels first choice, Wandy Peralta makes a lot of sense too.

The 32-year-old southpaw has quiety turned himself into one of the game's best left-handed relievers during his time with the Yankees. He had a sub-3.00 ERA each season he pitched for New York while proving to be extra tough on left-handed hitters. Lefties had just a .483 OPS against him this past season and have a .638 OPS against him in his career. He can be the primary lefty this team sorely needs.

Peralta is not a strikeout pitcher and has gotten himself in trouble with the free pass at points in his career, but he's excelled at keeping the ball on the ground and avoiding hard contact. He ranked in the 88th percentile in average exit velocity and the 94th percentile in ground ball percentage in 2023 according to Baseball Savant. Weak grounders hit to a Ron Washington-led infield? That should play!

Peralta allowed seven home runs this past season after allowing just two the year prior. He did this while pitching half the time at one of the more hitter friendly parks in the league, Yankee Stadium. He'd be a perfect fit pitching at The Big A, and would not break the bank financially.

1) Phil Maton

Like Stephenson and really every other reliever on this list, Phil Maton struggled to find his footing until he suddenly did with a new team. That team happened to be the Houston Astros, so the Angels know him well.

The right-hander went from somewhat of an afterthought to an integral part of a bullpen that made it all the way to Game 7 of the ALCS. Maton wasn't the closer or primary set-up man, but he was a key middle reliever that Dusty Baker would use in just about any situation. The Angels could use something like that too.

This past season, the 30-year-old posted a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances and 66 innings pitched. He's made at least 65 appearances in each of the last three seasons, something no Angels reliever did last season. Carlos Estevez was closest, making 63 appearances.

Like Peralta, Maton is an expert at limiting hard contact. He ranked in the 100th percentile in hard-hit rate and the 99th percentile in average exit velocity according to Baseball Savant. He did this while also having better swing-and-miss stuff, ranking in the 90th percentile in whiff rate and fanning 10.1 batters per nine.

He doesn't throw hard, averaging just 89 mph with his four-seamer in 2023, but Maton gets the job done. Point blank. He wouldn't come at too much of a financial hit, and could help make the Angels bullpen into a strength.

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