The Philadelphia Phillies’ trade for right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez was a sensible move. Although he’s a rental player set to hit free agency after the season, the Phillies needed reinforcement in their bullpen.
Before the trade deadline, their roster had few weaknesses, and while the bullpen wasn’t poor, enhancing that area is crucial for any team looking to compete.
It’s unclear whether the Phillies view this acquisition as a step toward a World Series title or if they hope to keep him long-term. A logical approach would be to sign him to an extension in the offseason, but competition from other teams could drive up his price.
Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic noted that this trade was likely aimed at boosting their chances in October, though he didn’t specify if that was the sole reason for the deal. He described it as a classic Dombrowski move: addressing bullpen needs by trading away valuable prospects. With Estevez’s fastball averaging 96.4 mph, he fits the profile of the power arm the Phillies require as they pursue a World Series.
Estevez is one of the most underrated relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. While he hasn’t received much attention, his performance has been exceptional. This season marks the best of his career, with a current 2.25 ERA—significantly lower than his career average of 4.20.
Relievers often improve at some point, and it seems Estevez has found his rhythm, complicating predictions for his contract situation. Spotrac estimates his market value at around $69.5 million over five years.
If the Phillies were to sign him to that contract, it wouldn’t necessarily be considered an overpay, but it is a substantial investment for a player enjoying a breakout year. With Jeff Hoffman also entering free agency, the Phillies might find better value in retaining him.
Historically, the Phillies have been willing to spend money in recent offseasons, so if they want to keep Estevez, they are likely to find a way to make it happen.