Position: RHP
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 225 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 03/24/1997
Drafted: 10th Round, 294th Overall, 2019 (Reds)
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
Bonus: $7,500
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2023
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Reds drafted Stevenson out of Minnesota as a guy with good arm strength who didn’t have much success in college. He threw his fastball 90-95 mph, reaching the upper-90s, but his secondary stuff was lacking. Between the pandemic and injuries, he threw fewer than 50 innings for the Reds, characterized by significant control problems. Cincinnati released him in 2022 and the Pirates signed him to a minor league deal. At that point, he was supposedly throwing 95-97, along with a cutter, slider and change.
2019-22
Stevenson pitched in relief in advanced rookie ball in 2019. He had a very high K rate, but also had a lot of trouble with walks. After missing the pandemic season, he missed nearly the entire 2021 season due to unknown injuries.
In 2022, the Reds sent Stevenson to high A, but he struggled badly with the strike zone, walking well over a batter an inning. They released him in August and he signed to play in the independent American Association. He pitched well there over seven relief appearances, as he seemingly found the strike zone.
2023
The Pirates signed Stevenson around the start of spring training in 2023 and sent him to Greensboro. He didn’t appear in a game until late May, then got into 22, all in relief, usually an inning at a time. He had a 1.85 ERA and allowed only 14 hits in 24.1 IP, but he also walked 18.
Stats
Transactions
June 4, 2019: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 10th round, 294th overall pick; signed on June 10.
August 15, 2022: Released by the Cincinnati Reds.
February 9, 2023: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.