In Estevez, the Phillies get arguably one of the best available closer on the trade market, filling a significant hole for an otherwise solid bullpen. In exchange, they gave up two ascending pitching prospects to the Angels.
L.A. received George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri, who began the year hovering near or below the Phillies’ list of top 20 prospects but soon shot up to No. 5 and No. 7, respectively. Now, they rank among the Angels’ top 10 prospects.
While the return might give some pause, neither expect to sniff the majors until 2026 at the earliest. Conversely, with the Phillies, Estevez is likely to take on one of the most critical roles on the team.
The Phillies bullpen is second in WAR (5.0) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.30), armed with plenty of capable options, including Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado and All-Stars Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman. But, none have run away with the closer role, where Estevez fits perfectly.
Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski said as much without saying. He told reporters via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com that it wouldn’t be a surprise if manager Rob Thomson used Estevez in “a lot of ninth innings.”
The 31-year-old has recorded 20 saves (23 opportunities), a 2.38 ERA, and a 0.74 WHIP, posting 32 strikeouts to only five walks over 34 innings this season.
Meanwhile, Estevez hasn’t allowed an earned run in 18 consecutive appearances. Over the last 18.1 innings, he’s struck out 15 and walked only three while batters are slashing a paltry .069/.115/.069 against him.
In a perfect world, the deal works out for both teams.
The Angels, struggling in the AL West, get two promising arms who could contribute in the very near future. Meanwhile, the Phillies get a proven closer primed to make an immediate impact on a team with World Series aspirations.
However, most importantly, it makes sense for the Phillies, regardless of how the move works out or the cost.