NEWSLETTER
Well, I was right that the Josh Hader signing could quickly precipitate other relief signings, and the guy I was most specifically interested in seeing sign quickly was the guy who signed.
… but not with the Cubs. I am deeply annoyed:
The Cubs had been connected to Robert Stephenson periodically this offseason, which made sense given their need for an impact arm or two in the bullpen, and his standing as one of the best non-Hader late-inning arms available. But I suppose I should chide myself now for ignoring what I said all along: I’ll believe the Cubs will sign a multi-year reliever deal when I see it. They just never do it. And they haven’t done it. Again.
This particular deal, if it does wind up being only a little over three years and $30 million … I will be so mad. That is a GOOD RISK TO TAKE. I understand that Stephenson might not be able to replicate his second half of 2023 over multiple seasons, particularly as the league has a chance to adjust to his new cutter/slider. But there’s a chance he really unlocked something and is a STUD for the next few years. If he is, then 3/$35M (or whatever) is a BARGAIN. And is the downside risk REALLY all that bad?
I’m annoyed. So annoyed right now. Head shaking, alone in a room, annoyed.
The Cubs will have to move on to the next, next, and next options like David Robertson, Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, Matt Moore, and Ryan Brasier, among others. I still want the Cubs to get one or more of those guys, but none are going to excite me like Stephenson would have.
