Could the Angels’ latest move reshape their bullpen? The club exercised the contract of left‑hander Nicolò Pinazzi and simultaneously declined the option on right‑hander Robert Stephenson, a decision reported earlier today.
At 27, Pinazzi’s journey to an Angel’s roster is anything but ordinary. Hailing from Italy, he signed with the Reds in 2020, stayed through 2023, then was released before the 2024 season. After two years in independent leagues, he earned a spot with the Halos for 2026.
Across four levels this season he logged 64 innings in 48 outings, posting a 0.84 ERA, a 12.5% walk rate, a 38.9% strike‑out rate and grounding 60.8% of balls in play.
FanGraphs’ Brendan Gawlowski profiled Pinazzi in August, noting his fastball tops the mid‑90s while he relies on a breaking pitch over half the time. Though he labels it a cutter, Pinazzi admits it behaves like a slider, saying, “I call it cutter to fool myself, it helps me throw more strikes.” He also sprinkles a curveball, but the cutter/slider remains his ace.
Given those numbers, the Angels locked Pinazzi into a roster slot to avoid free agency. With few established relievers and a likely rebuild next year, chances abound for untested arms like his. He can shuttle freely between the majors and minors thanks to his option flexibility. Though his profile is unique, he’ll join fellow Italian lefty Sam Aldegheri on the staff. In my view, Pinazzi offers a cheap, high‑upside addition.