Jackson Stephens isn’t a kid or the poster boy for pitchers in today’s game. He isn’t a flame thrower, doesn’t feature an overpowering breaking ball or devastating changeup, and, while he’s on the bump, resembles David Wells on a hot day in August.
Unfortunately for Jackson, his time with the Braves has come to an end. A day after being outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett, Stephens elected free agency according to Braves insider David O'Brien.
Reliever Jackson Stephens elected free agency, after the #Braves outrighted him Tuesday to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 27, 2024
Jackson Stephens elects free agency after being outrighted by Braves
Stephens is never going to win a Cy Young, be an All-Star or MVP, or rack up 30 saves in a season. What he does well is keep the ball in the park and throw strikes.
In 2022, Stephens appeared in 39 games for the Braves, including one start, and threw 53.2 innings with a 1.342 WHIP, 3.69 ERA (3.54 FIP), a 112 ERA+, and gave up three homers. In 30 of those appearances, he threw 36 innings without allowing an earned run.
As a Brave that season, Jesse Chavez appeared in 46 games. Including four starts, and threw 53 innings with a 1.189 WHIP, 2.72 ERA (2.49 FIP), a 152 ERA+, and gave up five homers. In 36 of his appearances, he threw 41 innings without allowing an earned run.
Stephens only appeared in five games for Atlanta in 2023, but he pitched to a 3.28 ERA and allowed one homer in 24+ innings for Gwinnett last year, and looked good in Spring Training this year, so there wasn't much of a reason to expect a similar season to 2022.
Six days ago, Stephens looked set to fill the Atlanta Braves long relief role until the Braves brought their prodigal reliever back. Chavez is on a minor league deal, while Stephens is signed to a split contract. Both players are out of options which may mean that they stash Jackson at Gwinnett and replace him on the active roster with Chavez.
Both players fill the same role and Chavez has proven a dependable choice for manager Brian Snitker. If they choose Jackson Stephens, they’ll get a dependable, if not flashy, middle-inning reliever who isn’t the best choice for high-leverage situations, but he keeps the ball in the yard and lets his defense do its job.
This pretty much sets Atlanta's Opening Day roster as they head to Philadelphia. Stephens could still find his way back to the Braves if he is unable to find a suitor. Regardless, let's hope he's able to land on his feet somewhere and showcase his talent.