The Philadelphia Phillies made a second move before the trade deadline. The top team in baseball acquired former Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez for pitching prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri. The Phillies haven’t had a defined closer this season, but Estévez might take over that role. The right-handed pitcher owns a 2.38 ERA with 20 saves in 23 opportunities. Opposing hitters have a .169 batting average against him.
Estévez played six seasons for the Colorado Rockies before spending the last two years in Anaheim. The 31-year-old was an All-Star in 2023 in which he posted a 3.90 ERA with 31 saves.The Phillies parted ways with 22-year-old right-hander Klassen and 22-year-old left-hander Aldegheri. Klassen had an impressive 1.97 ERA in 14 starts this year between Clearwater and Jersey Shore. Aldegheri was 6–7 with a 3.23 ERA and 109 strikeouts across 15 starts between Jersey Shore and Reading.
Estevez’ Place With the Phillies
Estévez is a 6-foot-6 power pitcher who attacks the strike zone. The former Angels closer should fit in nicely and provide manager Rob Thomson with a reliable option from the right side at the backend of the bullpen. He’s exactly what the Phillies will need come playoff time in October. It remains to be seen if Thomson will utilize Estévez as the Phillies’ closer. He joins All-Stars Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, as well as José Alvarado, Gregory Soto and Orion Kerkering as late inning, high leverage relievers. Estévez will be a free agent after the season.
Estévez joins outfielder Austin Hays as the newest additions to the first-place Phillies. The July 30 trade deadline is coming up, but it seems like Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is done making moves. There’s been rumors about looking into starting pitchers; however, that’s unlikely unless something unexpected happens. The Phillies checked off another box ahead of the deadline. The team wanted to upgrade in the bullpen and in the outfield. That is exactly what they did with these two recent trades.
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