Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Carlos Estévez is going to be a highly coveted free agent. The Phillies acquired Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline. Now, he is one of the top free agents in the bullpen market. Jeff Hoffman is also a free agent, making the bullpen a top need for the Phillies this offseason. Spotrac projects that Estévez will receive a three-year contract worth $42.048 million. He could either be a closer for a team or serve in a setup role. In his career, Estévez has 82 saves as well as 64 holds. He might ultimately remain with the Phillies, but that is dependent on what happens with Hoffman.
In 2024, Estévez recorded a 4-5 record with a 2.45 ERA, a 3.24 FIP, and 26 saves. He also recorded a career-best 5.7% walk rate last season to go with a 23.6% strikeout rate. However, after joining the Phillies, Estévez saw his strikeout rate decrease while his walk rate increased. Overall, he had a career-best .191 batting average against in 2024, and his 0.909 WHIP was also a career-best. Estévez was named an All-Star in 2023, and in most categories, he improved on his 2023 numbers last season.
Potential Landing Spots For Free Agent Reliever Carlos Estévez
Kansas City Royals
MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand mentioned the Royals as a potential fit for Estévez. Pairing him with Lucas Erceg would improve the Royals bullpen. Will Smith is a free agent, so there might be an open spot for Estévez in 2025. The Royals are a team on the rise and they should try and capitalize on this championship window. Estévez and Erceg in the same bullpen would give the Royals flexibility with the closer role. The Royals could use a high-leverage relief pitcher like Estévez to get to the next level, as they hope to be contenders for a long time.
New York Yankees
Carlos Estévez is among the (many) free agent relievers in whom the Yankees have interest as the offseason begins. @MLBNetwork https://t.co/WVJTj1EqKn
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2024
Feinsand also mentioned the Yankees as a fit for Estévez, as did MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. The Yankees have multiple relief pitchers that are free agents this offseason. Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill are their main bullpen free agents. After a World Series defeat, the Yankees are likely motivated to invest in top free agents. While re-signing Juan Soto is a top priority, there are other areas where the Yankees have needs. If at least one of Holmes, Kahnle, or Hill leaves, there will be a need to fill. Having Estévez and Luke Weaver would give the Yankees flexibility with high-leverage relief roles.
Other Destinations
Jim Bowden of The Athletic mentioned the Pittsburgh Pirates as a fit for Estévez. Aroldis Chapman is a free agent and David Bednar is a possible trade candidate. Signing him would require the Pirates to be willing to spend money in free agency. In the past, the Pirates have not been interested in handing out large free-agent contracts. Estévez will have multiple suitors, so the role teams are offering and the contract value will probably determine where he signs. Bowden also named the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers as potential landing spots for Estévez.
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