Sometimes the best moves are the ones that go under the radar. The Cleveland Guardians signed all-star second baseman Andrés Giménez, earlier this week to the second largest contract in team history, but today they finalized a four-year deal with RHP Trevor Stephan.

Stephan plays a pivotal role in the Guardians bullpen, usually working the seventh inning and led the team in holds last year at 20. The 27 year old went 6-5 in 2022, with a 2.69 ERA and 3 saves.

The biggest upside to Stephan is how he handled pressure situations, like when he only allowed one run and no hits in 4 postseason appearances as Cleveland pushed the Yankees to five games, in the ALDS.

The contract calls for a salary of 1.35 million this year with a bump to 1.6 million next year. Stephan will make 2.3 million in 2025 and 3.5 million in 2026.

The Guardians are locking up their stars like José Ramírez and others but a championship contender needs its role players and Cleveland’s front office is not neglecting them either.

-Ed in Columbus

@Ed_In_Columbus

*Photo courtesy of CLEGuardians Twitter*