The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the finalists contending to add top free-agent relief pitcher Robert Stephenson, according to a new report.
“The market is moving forward for Robert Stephenson, the top available righty reliever,” according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. “The Mets, Dodgers and Phillies are among the clubs with interest in Stephenson.”
Morosi also noted that negotiations between the Houston Astros and left-handed closer Josh Hader are picking up, driving momentum for other available free agents. It’s been widely reported that Hader’s interest in a record-breaking contract has been a logjam for other free agent signings.
“I think the Hader domino needs to fall first,” a National League executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. “I can’t see any other reason the market is slow for them. Sometimes these guys at the top can hold up everything.”
Morosi’s report naming the specific teams closing in on Stephenson is a sign that the Astros and Hader are moving quickly toward an agreement, as the Dodgers now seem to think they must move on from obtaining him.