According to reports from Jon Morosi of MLB.com and Chandler Rome of the Athletic, the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros have all expressed interest in free agent reliever Robert Stephenson. Throughout the winter, Stephenson has also been linked to a number of other organizations, including the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Orioles may no longer be in the market for an expensive reliever, though, as they recently signed Craig Kimbrel to a $13 million deal. The Angels and the other teams might still play, even if the Angels have concentrated on obtaining less expensive options in order to bolster their middle relief corps.

Regarding the top two clubs in the AL West, the Rangers and Astros, the most pressing concern is their bullpen. It has been stated by both teams that they have little financial leeway this summer. Kirby Yates, who recently inked a $4.5 million deal with the Rangers, joins José Leclerc and Josh Sborz as high-leverage righties. The bullpen, though, continues to be a major worry for the reigning World Series winners.

Conversely, the Astros’ leverage possibilities are Rafael Montero, Bryan Abreu, Kendall Graveman, and Ryan Pressly. But given that Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, and Hector Neris are all free agents, their middle relief depth raises some red flags. The Astros are still in contact with Maton’s management and may be searching for a more reasonably priced middle-inning addition given their close proximity to the luxury tax line.

With Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loáisiga leading the way, the Yankees already boast one of the greatest relief corpses in the league. Although bringing in Stephenson would be considered a luxury, the Yankees are obviously focused on winning now and have a history of making relief investments.

After a stellar season with the Tampa Bay Rays, Stephenson is expected to sign a four-year, $36 million contract, according to MLB Trade Rumors. In MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agents, he was placed among the best bullpen free agents, only surpassed by Josh Hader and Jordan Hicks. After being dealt from the Pittsburgh Pirates to Tampa Bay in June of last year, Stephenson had an amazing 2.35 ERA and a startling 42.9% strikeout rate in 42 appearances, despite an uneven career record.