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Ryan Tepera
Ryan Tepera
Ryan Tepera
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Dennis Ryan Tepera (born November 3, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals. He attended Brazoswood High School in Texas, and played college baseball for the Sam Houston State Bearkats.

Key Information

Amateur career

[edit]

After graduating from Brazoswood High School in Clute, Texas, Tepera played college baseball at Blinn College before transferring to Sam Houston State University.[1] In 2009, his senior season, he went 2–1 with a 7.33 ERA over 43 innings.[2]

Professional career

[edit]

Toronto Blue Jays

[edit]

Minor leagues

[edit]

The Blue Jays selected Tepera in the 19th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays, and made 11 appearances for the team, including 5 starts. Tepera posted a 3–1 win–loss record, 1.72 ERA, and 42 strikeouts in 362⁄3 innings.[4] In 2010, he was promoted to the Single-A Lansing Lugnuts, and pitched 120 innings over 24 appearances (22 starts). In total, Tepera earned a 9–6 record, 3.98 ERA, and 79 strikeouts.[4] He played the 2011 season with the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays, posting an 11–6 record, 4.43 ERA, and 93 strikeouts in a career-high 1461⁄3 innings.[4] Tepera started the 2012 season in Dunedin, and was later promoted to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. He struggled during the year, and finished with an 8–6 record, 5.48 ERA, and 71 strikeouts.[4] In the offseason, Tepera played with the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, and made 6 starts, going 1–2 with a 6.75 ERA.[4]

Tepera with the Lansing Lugnuts in 2010

Tepera played the entire 2013 season in Double-A New Hampshire, bouncing back with a 10–8 record, 4.50 ERA, and 105 strikeouts in 116 innings.[4] 2014 saw Tepera make his first trip to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he pitched exclusively as a reliever. In 51 games, he posted a 7–3 record, 3.66 ERA, and 67 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched.[4] The Blue Jays added Tepera to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2014, to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[5] He began the 2015 season with the Buffalo Bisons, and was promoted to the major leagues by the Blue Jays on May 8.[6]

Major leagues

[edit]

Tepera made his debut on May 10, 2015, against the Boston Red Sox. He pitched 2 innings in relief of R. A. Dickey, and did not allow a baserunner, while striking out 1.[7][8] Tepera was optioned back to Buffalo on August 1,[9] and recalled on September 1.[10] He earned his first save on September 12, closing out a 9–5 win over the New York Yankees.[11] Tepera was initially left off of the postseason roster, however he was added on October 10 after Brett Cecil suffered a season-ending calf injury the day prior.[12]

After participating in 2016 Major League spring training, Tepera was announced on March 30 as one of the Blue Jays bullpen pitchers for Opening Day.[13] However, shortly afterward the Blue Jays signed Franklin Morales and optioned Tepera to Triple-A Buffalo. On April 27, Tepera was recalled from Buffalo.[14] After taking the loss against the San Francisco Giants on May 11, Tepera was optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo.[15] He was recalled on May 30,[16] and optioned again on June 5.[17] On July 24, Tepera was recalled after Drew Storen was designated for assignment.[18] Tepera was returned to Buffalo on July 26. He was recalled on August 10, and optioned back to Buffalo on August 23.[19] After the Major League roster expansion on September 1, Tepera was called up by Toronto.[20] After spring training, Tepera made the 2017 Opening Day roster.[21] On April 21, he earned his first career win after pitching three shutout innings against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[22] Tepera finished the 2017 season with a 3.59 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 772⁄3 innings.[23] He began the 2018 season as the setup man to closer Roberto Osuna. He was placed on the disabled list on June 30 with elbow inflammation.[24] Tepera finished the season with a 5–5 record in 68 games, striking out 68 in 64+2⁄3 innings. Tepera went into arbitration hearings with the Blue Jays in 2019 and remained the last Blue Jay to do so until Vladimir Guerrero Jr in 2025.[25] He lost his arbitration case, and was awarded a $1,525,000 salary Friday rather than his request for $1.8 million. [26]

Chicago Cubs

[edit]

Tepera was designated for assignment on November 4, 2019. He elected free agency four days later.[27] On December 20, he signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.[28] On November 12, 2020, Tepera received a single vote for National League Most Valuable Player, finishing in a tie for eighteenth place.[29] Rick Hummel, the writer who cast the vote for Tepera, indicated that it was an input error: Hummel had intended to vote for Trea Turner, but clicked the wrong name on the online form's drop-down menu.[30] On December 2, Tepera was nontendered by the Cubs.

On February 26, 2021, Tepera re-signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $800,000 contract.[31] On April 15, Tepera received a three-game suspension for intentionally throwing a pitch at pitcher Brandon Woodruff in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.[32] Tepera was named the NL Reliever of the Month for May.[33] On June 24, 2021, Tepera pitched a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Zach Davies, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel.[34]

Chicago White Sox

[edit]

On July 29, 2021, Tepera was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Bailey Horn.[35] Between the Cubs and White Sox, in 2021 Tepera had a 2.79 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 61+1⁄3 innings. Tepera pitched 4+2⁄3 innings for the White Sox in the series, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts.[36][37]

Los Angeles Angels

[edit]

On March 19, 2022, Tepera signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.[38] He made his Angels debut on April 7, 2022, against the Houston Astros, pitching one inning but surrendering consecutive solo home runs to Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez.[39] On April 11, 2022, he struck out the side in the 8th inning in a 6–2 win over the Marlins.[40] On April 20, Tepera pitched 2.0 perfect innings in a combined 1-hit 1-walk shutout in relief of starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani.[41] He finished the year making 59 appearances for the Angels, posting a 3.61 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 6 saves across 57.1 innings pitched.

In 2023, Tepera again worked out of the Angels bullpen, but struggled to 7.27 ERA across 10 games. After allowing a pair of solo home runs to the Cleveland Guardians the day prior, Tepera was designated for assignment on May 14, 2023.[42] He was released by the Angels on May 19.[43]

Texas Rangers

[edit]

On June 14, 2023, Tepera signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.[44] He made 7 scoreless appearances for the Triple–A Round Rock Express, striking out 11 in 8.0 innings of work. On July 14, Tepera exercised the opt–out clause in his contract and became a free agent.[45]

St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

On July 17, 2023, the St. Louis Cardinals signed Tepera to a major-league contract and immediately activated him.[46] He made only two appearances for St. Louis, surrendering two runs on three hits and one walk with one strikeout in two innings pitched.[47] On July 20, the Cardinals designated Tepera for assignment after Tyler O'Neill was activated from the injured list.[48] He was released by St. Louis on July 26.[49]

Personal life

[edit]

Tepera married his wife, Chelsea, in 2021. The couple welcomed their son Cohen in November 2022.[50]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ryan Tepera

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ryan Tepera (born November 3, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in (MLB) as a from 2015 to 2023. Tepera was born in Houston, Texas, and attended before being selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 19th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays on May 10, 2015, after spending several seasons in the minors, where he developed into a reliable right-handed reliever known for his sinker and . Over his nine-season MLB career, Tepera appeared in 373 games for five teams: the Toronto Blue Jays (2015–2019), Chicago Cubs (2020–2021), (2021), [Los Angeles Angels](/page/Los Angeles_Angels) (2022–2023), and St. Louis Cardinals (2023). He compiled a career record of 19 wins and 20 losses with a 3.62 (), 366 strikeouts, and 18 saves, primarily serving in middle relief and setup roles. His most productive stretch came with the Blue Jays, where he posted a 3.69 ERA over five seasons. Tepera was released by the Cardinals on July 26, 2023, and did not appear in any further MLB games as of 2025.

Early life

High school career

Dennis Ryan Tepera was born on November 3, 1987, in , . Tepera grew up in the Lake Jackson area and attended Brazoswood High School in , where he focused on as a right-handed . During his high school career at Brazoswood, Tepera earned first-team All-District honors as a and was named the district's . He also received first-team All-Greater recognition for his performances. After graduating from Brazoswood High School, Tepera chose to continue his development at instead of pursuing a direct entry into the MLB Draft.

College career

After graduating from high school, Tepera enrolled at in , where he played for the Buccaneers as a freshman before transferring to ahead of the 2007 season. At Sam Houston State, Tepera transitioned to competition in the , appearing as a right-handed during his year in 2008. He made 13 appearances, including nine starts, and compiled a 3–3 win–loss record with a 6.24 over 62 , recording 51 strikeouts and 24 walks. During that season, he secured his first Division I victory in relief against Saint Louis on March 7. In his junior season of 2009, Tepera appeared in 20 games for the Bearkats, including five starts, and posted a 2–1 record with a 7.33 across 43 , along with one save, 36 strikeouts, and 17 walks.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Tepera was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 19th round (580th overall) of the out of , where his college performance as a reliable starter contributed to his selection despite being a late-round pick. Following the draft, Tepera began his professional career with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays in 2009, where he posted a 3–1 record with a 1.72 over 36.2 in 12 appearances, primarily as a starter. He advanced to the Class A in 2010, achieving a 9–6 record and 3.98 in 120 across 25 starts, demonstrating solid command but working on consistency against advanced hitters. Tepera's progression continued in 2011 with the Dunedin Blue Jays, where he recorded an 11–6 mark and 4.43 in 146.1 innings over 27 starts. In 2012, he split time between Dunedin and the Double-A , combining for an 8–6 record and 5.48 in 95.1 innings, a season marked by adjustments to higher competition levels and a career-high walk rate. He spent the full 2013 campaign with , improving to 10–8 with a 4.50 in 116 innings across 27 appearances (26 starts). Promoted to Triple-A Buffalo in 2014, Tepera transitioned to a relief role, excelling with a 7–3 record and 3.66 in 51 outings over 64 innings, including two saves, which highlighted his versatility and earned him a spot on the 40-man roster. Over his career with affiliates from 2009 to 2016 and briefly in 2019, Tepera appeared in 271 games, compiling a 59–38 record with a 3.73 , 601 strikeouts in 703 , and 24 saves, while facing challenges such as occasional control issues and adapting from starting to relieving, though no major injuries were reported. In 2023, after being released by the Cardinals, Tepera signed a contract with the Texas Rangers and made nine scoreless appearances with their Triple-A affiliate, the , striking out 16 batters in 10 without allowing a run.

Toronto Blue Jays

Ryan Tepera made his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 10, 2015, against the Boston Red Sox at , where he pitched two perfect innings in relief, striking out for his first career . He appeared in 32 games that season as a reliever, posting a 3.27 ERA over 33 innings with 22 s and earning his first save on September 12 in an 11-inning, 9-5 victory over the New York Yankees. Tepera was initially omitted from the Blue Jays' postseason roster but added on October 10, replacing the injured for the against the Texas Rangers. Over the next two seasons, Tepera solidified his role as a reliable middle reliever in Toronto's bullpen. In 2016, he made 20 appearances with a 2.95 ERA in 18.1 innings and 18 strikeouts, contributing to the team's wild card playoff run after finishing second in the AL East with an 89-73 record. His performance peaked in 2017, when he appeared in a career-high 73 games, recording a 7-1 record, 3.59 ERA, and 81 strikeouts across 77.2 innings while allowing just 31 earned runs. That year, Tepera helped stabilize the Blue Jays' relief corps during a 76-86 season, emerging as a key arm in high-leverage situations. Tepera's tenure with Toronto faced setbacks in 2018 and 2019 due to injuries and roster decisions. On June 27, 2018, he was placed on the 10-day disabled list with right , missing time from late June to mid-July before returning to make 68 relief appearances overall with a 5-5 record, 3.62 , and 68 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. In 2019, elbow issues again limited him to 23 games (including one start), where he posted a 4.98 over 21.2 innings with 14 strikeouts. Following the season, Tepera lost his hearing and was awarded a $1.525 million salary for 2019 after requesting $1.8 million. Across his five seasons with the Blue Jays from 2015 to 2019, Tepera appeared in 216 games primarily as a reliever, compiling a 12-11 record, 3.62 , 10 saves, and 203 strikeouts in 215.1 innings, providing consistent depth to the during periods of transition for the franchise. He was on November 4, 2019, and elected free agency on November 7 after refusing an outright assignment to Triple-A Buffalo.

Chicago Cubs

Following his election to free agency by the Toronto Blue Jays, Tepera signed a one-year major-league contract with the Chicago Cubs on December 20, 2019, that included a $900,000 salary while in the majors and $300,000 in the minors. In the shortened 2020 season, Tepera appeared in 21 games for the Cubs, posting a 3.92 ERA over 20.2 innings with 31 strikeouts. He received one tenth-place vote in the National League Most Valuable Player balloting, tying for 18th place overall, though the vote was later revealed to be an error intended for Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner due to an alphabetical mix-up in the voting interface. Tepera re-signed with the Cubs on February 26, 2021, to a one-year, $800,000 contract that included performance incentives potentially worth up to an additional $800,000. He earned the National League Reliever of the Month award for May after allowing just one earned run in 14 2/3 s across 14 appearances, striking out 19 batters without issuing a walk and securing seven holds. On June 24, 2021, Tepera contributed to the Cubs' first combined in franchise history by pitching a scoreless seventh against the , walking one batter in the effort that also involved starters , , and . Through 43 games with the Cubs in 2021 before the trade deadline, Tepera maintained a 2.91 and limited opponents to a .193 , contributing to his season totals of a 2.79 and 74 strikeouts over 61 1/3 innings across both Chicago teams. On July 29, 2021, the Cubs traded Tepera to the crosstown in exchange for minor-league left-hander Bailey Horn.

Chicago White Sox

On July 29, 2021, the Chicago White Sox acquired Tepera from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league left-hander Bailey Horn to bolster their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline. In the remainder of the 2021 regular season, Tepera made 18 relief appearances for the White Sox, compiling a 2.50 ERA over 18 innings pitched while allowing five runs and recording 24 strikeouts. His consistent outings provided stability to a bullpen that supported the team's late-season surge to clinch the American League Central division title with 93 wins. During the 2021 American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Tepera appeared in three games, pitching 4.2 and surrendering one run with three strikeouts, contributing to a 1.93 in postseason play. Notably, in Game 3—a 12-6 White Sox victory that avoided a series sweep—Tepera delivered two scoreless , helping the hold a lead after starter Dylan Cease's departure. Tepera's reliable relief work enhanced the White Sox 's depth during their divisional playoff push, despite the series loss in four games.

Los Angeles Angels

Following a stint with the Chicago White Sox, Ryan Tepera entered free agency and signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the on March 19, 2022, bolstering the team's bullpen with his veteran presence. Tepera quickly established himself as a key middle-to-late-inning reliever for the Angels in 2022, appearing in 59 games and contributing to the bullpen's efforts with a 5-4 record, 3.61 ERA, 6 saves, 47 strikeouts, and 20 walks over 57.1 . To address inconsistencies midseason, he tinkered with his in 2022, introducing a slower version gripped to produce more movement at 80-81 mph, which he deployed 45 times across 10 outings (8.1 innings) while allowing just one hit. Tepera's performance declined sharply in 2023, where he posted a 2-2 record and 7.27 with 11 strikeouts in 8.2 over 10 appearances before the Angels designated him for assignment on May 14 and released him five days later on May 19. Across his two seasons with the Angels, Tepera made 69 relief appearances, finishing with a 7-6 record, 4.09 , 6 saves, 58 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 66.0 total , primarily serving as a and occasional closer in the .
SeasonGamesRecordERASavesInnings PitchedStrikeouts
2022595-43.61657.147
2023102-27.2708.211
Total697-64.09666.058

Texas Rangers

Following his release from the Los Angeles Angels on May 19, 2023, Tepera signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on June 14, 2023, and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the . In nine appearances with Round Rock, Tepera pitched 10 innings without allowing a run, recording 16 strikeouts while issuing three walks. His scoreless outings demonstrated a return to form after a challenging stint with the Angels, showcasing effective command and swing-and-miss stuff in the . On July 14, 2023, Tepera exercised his opt-out clause in the contract, becoming a after failing to secure a major league roster spot with the Rangers.

St. Louis Cardinals

On July 17, 2023, the St. Louis Cardinals signed free agent relief pitcher Ryan Tepera to a major league contract after he opted out of a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers organization. Tepera made two relief appearances for the Cardinals, both against the at . In his debut on July 18, he pitched 0.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits and one walk with no strikeouts. The following day, July 19, Tepera appeared in what would be his final major league game, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings with one hit, no walks, and one strikeout. Over these two outings, totaling two innings, he surrendered two runs on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout. On July 20, 2023, the Cardinals designated Tepera for assignment to clear a roster spot. He cleared waivers and became a , but the team released him outright on July 27, 2023. These brief appearances marked the end of Tepera's nine-year major league career, during which he compiled a 19–20 record, 3.89 ERA, and 366 strikeouts in 373 games. Following his release, Tepera did not sign with another major league team and had no further MLB activity through the 2025 season.

Personal life

Family

Ryan Tepera married his wife, Chelsea, on December 11, 2021. The couple announced their pregnancy earlier that year and held a reveal event on the field following a Los Angeles Angels game on May 7, 2022, where Chelsea struck a filled with blue powder to reveal they were expecting a boy. They welcomed their first child, son Cohen Ryan Tepera, on November 11, 2022.

Post-retirement activities

Following his release by the Cardinals on July 26, 2023, Ryan Tepera did not sign with another team or return to the . His absence from professional rosters since that date means he has not appeared in competitive play thereafter. As of November 2025, no coaching, broadcasting, business ventures, or philanthropic endeavors involving Tepera have been publicly documented. He maintains a low public profile, with occasional updates centered on personal milestones rather than professional pursuits.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/teperry01.shtml
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/ryan-tepera-572193
  3. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/32107/ryan-tepera
  4. https://gobearkats.com/sports/baseball/roster/ryan-tepera/1636
  5. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/144998/
  6. https://www.southland.org/news/2008/3/7/66687.aspx
  7. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=tepera001den
  8. https://www.milb.com/player/ryan-tepera-572193
  9. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/5833-ryan-tepera/stats/
  10. https://www.mlb.com/news/blue-jays-reliever-ryan-tepera-makes-memorable-major-league-debut/c-123583470
  11. https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/350912210
  12. https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-tepera-replaces-injured-brett-cecil/c-153958030
  13. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/pitching.php?y=2017&t=TOR
  14. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/reliever-ryan-tepera-goes-to-arbitration-with-blue-jays/
  15. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-ryan-tepera-loses-arbitration-case/
  16. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/blue-jays-designate-ryan-tepera-outright-devon-travis.html
  17. https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/transactions/_/name/tor/season/2019
  18. https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-tepera-cubs-deal
  19. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28342300/cubs-reliever-ryan-tepera-agree-900000-deal
  20. https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-tepera-cubs-mistake-nl-mvp-award-vote
  21. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30307920/chicago-cubs-ryan-tepera-lands-mvp-vote-thanks-mis-click
  22. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/cubs-re-sign-ryan-tepera.html
  23. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cubs-finalize-deal-ryan-tepera/
  24. https://www.mlb.com/news/liam-hendriks-ryan-tepera-win-may-reliever-of-the-month
  25. https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-bullpen-had-no-idea-no-hitter-was-happening
  26. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-trade-deadline-ryan-tepera-heads-to-white-sox-from-cubs-as-chicago-rivals-make-deal/
  27. https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-tepera-trade-to-white-sox
  28. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/cubs-trade-ryan-tepera-white-sox.html
  29. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2021_ALDS1.shtml
  30. https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-tepera-white-sox-bullpen-play-big-role-in-alds-game-3
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/white-sox-win-alds-game-3-2021
  32. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-angels-sign-ryan-tepera
  33. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/16599/ryan-tepera
  34. https://www.ocregister.com/2023/03/03/angels-ryan-tepera-believes-new-pitch-will-be-a-huge-weapon/
  35. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/angels-designate-ryan-tepera-for-assignment.html
  36. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/06/rangers-ryan-tepera-agree-to-minor-league-contract.html
  37. https://www.baseballprospectus.com/player/60107/ryan-tepera/
  38. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38026283/st-louis-cardinals-sign-free-agent-rhp-ryan-tepera
  39. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/ryan-tepera-opts-out-rangers-free-agent.html
  40. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/cardinals-sign-ryan-tepera.html
  41. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/32107/ryan-tepera
  42. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/cardinals-release-ryan-tepera.html
  43. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/ryan-tepera-released-by-cardinals/
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