A major league bullpen is almost always comprised of a combination of expected and unexpected contributors. That’s just nature and volatility of relief pitching these days. The 2022 Atlanta Braves bullpen was no different, and there may not have been a more out-of-nowhere addition than that of Jackson Stephens.
How Acquired
Stpehens, originally from Alabama, was all set start his college baseball career at the University of Alabama, when he got picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. Stephens signed with the Reds, forgoing his college career, and began his professional career at the bottom of the Reds organization.