The Los Angeles Angels are getting bombarded with interest for closer Carlos Estévez. After getting off to a rough start, Estévez found his groove in June posting a perfect 0.00 ERA for the month. He threw 10 scoreless innings, yielding just two hits without a walk and striking out 10 batters. Estévez retired 26 consecutive batters during one stretch and was named the American League Reliever of the Month for the first time. The 31-year-old right-hander was insanely dominant and has been since arriving in Los Angeles ahead of the 2023 season.
With Los Angeles once again likely out of contention, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Angels are “getting bombarded with interest” for Estévez. He’s a free agent after the season with just $2.2 million remaining on his contract at the trade deadline.
“(Estévez) may be the best reliever available on the market with Oakland Athletics strikeout machine Mason Miller likely unavailable,” Nightengale said.
Angels Fielding Trade Interest for Carlos Estévez
Coming off possibly the best month of his career, Estévez has caught the eye of multiple contenders needing late-inning reinforcements. Insiders have linked the hard-throwing reliever to teams including the New York Yankees, Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies- who need another high-leverage, late-inning reliever.
New York Yankees
Three weeks ago, the Yankees were the best team in baseball, but now they are spiralling and desperate for upgrades. Their bullpen has been deteriorating at an unfathomable rate and the Yankees are actively seeking reinforcements. With Clay Holmes struggling, Estévez, who has issued one unintentional walk in 27 innings this season, is a strong option. New York has not made it back to the World Series since 2009 and Juan Soto is guaranteed in pinstripes for just three more months. Trading for another high-leverage reliever like Estévez would set the bullpen up nicely going into October.
New York Mets
Thanks to a month-long heater (and a certain mascot), the Mets have gone from clear sellers to clear buyers. Sitting just two games back of a wild-card spot, Jon Heyman reports bullpen help is a priority at the deadline. Edwin Díaz has not been as dominant this season as he’s been in the past and just returned from a 10-game sticky stuff suspension. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, “Where we’re at bullpen-wise, it’s day-to-day.” Acquiring a proven late-inning reliever like Estévez who can close and slot into the seventh or eighth inning would go a long way.
Philadelphia Phillies
Unlike their neighbors to the north, the Phillies are all but locked into the postseason with an eight-game division lead. Philadelphia will be very aggressive at the trade deadline, and the bullpen is a key area to watch. Their bullpen has plenty of talent already, but they could use another option to close out games. Pairing a righty like Carlos Estévez, with the lefty José Alvarado could be the finishing touch on a championship-caliber team.
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