TRADE: Phillies Acquire Top Closer In Significant Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies like to have as much depth at the back end of their bullpen as possible, and GM Dave Dombrowski has struck again, swinging a big deal with the Los Angeles Angels for Carlos Estevez.

The Phillies are acquiring Carlos Estévez from the Angels, sources tell @TheAthletic. Estévez is one of the top closers available, along with the Marlins’ Tanner Scott.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2024

Indeed, Estevez is one of the top closers on the trade market, and he is red-hot, riding an 18-inning scoreless streak. He has collected 20 saves, following a 31-save season in 2023. He has a 2.38 ERA, a 0.73 WHIP, a 32:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and has held batters to a .169 average this season.

Dombrowski likes his hard-throwing relievers, and Estevez is that. His fastball velo is in the 88th percentile, per Baseball Savant.

Carlos Estévez is a legit reliever. The Phillies bullpen just got way better.

34 IP
2.38 ERA
0.74 WHIP
32 Ks
5 BBs
20 saves

pic.twitter.com/kxAu2H4a9l
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) July 27, 2024

Estevez now joins Jeff Hoffman and Jose Alvarado as key late-inning arms out of the Philly 'pen.

In return, the Phillies sent a very nice package to the Angels that includes two of their top 10 pitching prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri, per Jeff Passan.