Emotional Tyler Stephenson Braces For Trade After Long-ball Farewell

The longest-tenured Cincinnati Red choked back answers into shorter sentences as he spoke in front of his locker after what he anticipated was his final game with the Reds after 11 years with the organization.

“A lot of emotions,” said catcher Tyler Stephenson, who hit a home run to right field in his final at-bat before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline. “To have that (last) hit be a home run is pretty cool. 

“It’s been a fun ride.”

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This wasn’t the way it was supposed to end in Cincinnati for the 2015 first-round draft pick who was one of the first foundational pieces of this rebuilt Reds core that broke through for a playoff appearance last year.

Stephenson and the club negotiated before last season but failed to agree on a contract extension, making this day a possibility ever since.

If anything, Stephenson’s last two months at the plate have served as a reminder of what the Reds envisioned for him long-term in their lineup. 

In his last 35 games, going back to June 6, he’s 39-for-112 (.348) with five home runs 10 doubles, 13 walks, 15 RBIs and a .992 OPS.

He said he was proud of what he has been able to do on the field through the increasing volume of trade rumors in a market heavy with contenders looking for catching help.

After the Pirates game, players throughout the Reds clubhouse seemed resigned to the likelihood of a flurry of trades involving their roster over the final 24 hours before the 6 p.m. deadline on Aug. 3.

"I'm just ready for it to be over with," Stephenson said.

Stephenson, who’s one of seven pending free agents, was asked how he plans to handle deadline day, which coincides with an off day on the Reds schedule.

“I don’t know yet,” he said. “My wife and I did talk. Just kind of go around to maybe some different places around the city that we enjoy just in case. We’ll see.”

Meanwhile, he reflected on his time in the only professional organization he’s known, and the relationships he’s built.

“It’s the first time I’ve gone through this process,” he said. “I’m just taking it day by day and enjoying each day. Trying to enjoy these moments. I’ve been with these guys for a long time. It’s been a lot of fun.”

That’s a weight he’s carried these past weeks as his trade stock rose with his production and the deadline neared.

“Just the business side of it, this being my last year, being a free agent, it’s definitely a looming day,” he said, voice cracking slightly.

“And that day’s here.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Emotional Tyler Stephenson braces for trade after long-ball farewell