Carlos Estévez
Elite reliever Carlos Estévez was the Phillies’ biggest trade deadline acquisition in 2024. With the incumbent and usually-reliable José Alvarado constantly struggling in his new role as the team’s closer during the past year, Philadelphia decided to make the big move in bringing in Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels to help stabilize the back end of the bullpen heading into the stretch run. In doing so, the Phillies had to sacrifice two promising pitching prospects, George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri, to get it done.
For the most part, Estévez did do an admirable job as the Phillies’ closer during the final two months of the regular season. He ended up posting a 3-2 record with six saves, along with a solid 2.57 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, while giving up just six earned runs with seven walks and 18 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched over 20 relief appearances. In doing so, Estévez helped Philadelphia clinch their third consecutive postseason berth.
However, Estévez came up just a bit short when the team needed him most during the MLB playoffs. Despite compiling a decent 3.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over three games against the New York Mets during the 2024 NLDS, he will nonetheless be remembered most by the Phillies’ faithful as the one who gave up the go-ahead grand slam in Game 4 to Francisco Lindor that ultimately ended the series and Philadelphia’s postseason run at the same time.
With the Phillies having already inked elite closer Jordan Romano to a one-year deal this offseason, it has inadvertently ruled out a potential return of Estévez for 2025. However, some sources have indicated that the Phillies have still expressed interest in Estévez, even with their bullpen core practically set.
Whether or not he ultimately comes back is still in question. But one thing is for sure, as one of the top closing options still remaining in the free agent market, Estévez will get paid eventually. He has been connected to a handful of teams this offseason, including the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and, most recently, the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly been added to the list of teams to have shown interest in the big righty.