The Reds are among the many groups with curiosity in free agent reliever Carlos Estévez, experiences Jon Heyman of the New York Publish. The Blue Jays and Yankees have additionally been tied to the All-Star righty this offseason.
Estévez is without doubt one of the higher unsigned relievers. The 32-year-old has been a dependable back-end choice for the Angels and Phillies over the past two years. Estévez turned in a 3.90 ERA with 31 saves and a plus 27.8% strikeout fee for the Halos in 2023. He was off to a good stronger begin final 12 months, working to a 2.38 ERA whereas fanning 25.8% of batters confronted by the commerce deadline.
Los Angeles dealt Estévez to the Phillies for a pair of well-regarded pitching prospects. His end in Philadelphia was extra strong than nice. Whereas he turned in a 2.57 ERA throughout 21 frames for the Phils, Estévez’s strikeout share dropped to a mediocre 20.5% clip. Regardless of the middling end, Estévez nonetheless has a strong case for a three-year deal within the $30MM vary.
The aid market has but to get entering into earnest. Tanner Scott and Jeff Hoffman are on the prime of the category. Estévez is arguably the #3 free agent reliever, whereas Kirby Yates and David Robertson might be out there on short-term offers at a lofty wage.
Cincinnati had an honest aid group in 2024. They ranked 18th in earned run common regardless of the issue of pitching at Nice American Ball Park. Reds relievers ranked ninth with a 24.3% strikeout fee. They subtracted considered one of their prime setup arms once they dealt Fernando Cruz to the Yankees for backup catcher Jose Trevino.
A full season from breakout candidate Tony Santillan might be a significant enhance in entrance of nearer Alexis Díaz. Veterans Emilio Pagán and Brent Suter are again, as is lefty Sam Moll. The Reds have a couple of openings within the center aid group, although. Including one other reliever is smart, although it’s not clear if there’s room within the price range to make a reputable push for Estévez. RosterResource calculates Cincinnati’s payroll round $106MM, about $6MM above the place they completed final season. After buying Gavin Lux from the Dodgers this week, normal supervisor Nick Krall mentioned the entrance workplace has “a bit of bit (of flexibility), not a ton” from a payroll perspective (through Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer).
