Phillies’ star closer could be heading to the Reds in free agency!
As reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, free agent closer Carlos Estevez is in deep talks with a National League team eager to sign him this offseason. Nightengale shared on X Wednesday night that the Cincinnati Reds are actively negotiating for Estevez, who has racked up 57 saves over the past two seasons.
Carlos Estevez was on a mission in 2024. The veteran, with eight seasons in the MLB, made 54 appearances and posted a career-best 2.45 ERA, adding 26 saves for the Phillies.
Estevez, alongside 2024 All-Star Jeff Hoffman, was a key contributor to Philadelphia’s relief corps last season. However, with Hoffman heading to the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason, the Phillies are left with a gap in their eighth-inning role. If Estevez signs elsewhere, they can turn to Jose Alvarado as another closer option.
That would shift more responsibility onto Jordan Romano, the elite ninth-inning specialist, to step up and lead the bullpen. For the Reds, acquiring Estevez would be a major boost, especially after they finished last season with just 36 saves, the fifth-fewest in the league.
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