Robert Stephenson was selected in the first round of the amateur draft in 2011 and debuted in the major leagues in 2016.
As a senior in high school, Stephenson was measured at 98 mph and pitched back-to-back no-hitters.
In 64 innings, he had a 7-2 record, a 1.33 ERA, and 132 strikeouts compared to 29 hits. He was voted the state’s top high school athlete by Gatorade.
He was the #25 prospect according to Baseball America heading into the amateur draft in 2011.
Along with Tyler Beede, Michael Fulmer, Henry Owens, and Jose Fernandez, he was also chosen as a second-team high school All-American pitcher, trailing only Dylan Bundy, Hudson Boyd, and Archie Bradley, Dillon Maples, and Kyle Smith.
When the Cincinnati Reds selected him with the 27th overall choice in the draft, he already had a letter of intent from the University of Washington.
Following Taylor Guerrieri, Joe Ross, and Blake Swihart, he was the fourth consecutive high schooler selected in the draft. Rich Bordi served as the scout.
Upon signing, Stephenson received a $2 million bonus. Between Daniel Corcino and Didi Gregorius, Baseball America ranked him as Cincinnati’s fifth-best prospect going into 2012.
On June 19th, against the Missoula Osprey, Stephenson made his professional debut with the 2012 Billings Mustangs. With 3 hits, an unearned run, a walk, and 8 strikeouts over 5 innings, he was given a no-decision.
Before making his major league debut, he played five whole seasons in the minors, moving through the Reds’ organizational system gradually but steadily.
Along the way, he started for three different teams in 2013, going 7-7, 2.99, and in 2014, he started for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the AA Southern League in 27 games, going 7-10, 4.74.
He played for Pensacola and the AAA Louisville Bats in 2015, posting combined records of 8-11 and 3.83.
How Old Is Robert Stephenson?
Robert Stephenson is 29 years old. He was born on February 24, 1993.