Yankees Target Former Phillies All-Star Reliever to Revamp Bullpen for 2025 Season
The New York Yankees are focusing on fortifying their bullpen as they look to improve their roster for the 2025 MLB season. With multiple free-agent departures and several key players’ contracts expiring, the Yankees have set their sights on Carlos Estévez, a former All-Star reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies. Estévez, currently a free agent, could be just what the Yankees need to bolster their pitching staff.
Yankees Bullpen Needs Reinforcement
The Yankees have a solid core but are facing a growing need to strengthen their bullpen. With multiple key relievers becoming free agents or awaiting contract extensions, New York has been actively exploring potential additions to fill this gap. Carlos Estévez, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, is emerging as a leading target. His impressive career and recent performance make him an attractive option for a team looking to reload and compete in the upcoming season.
Carlos Estévez’s Impressive Career
Carlos Estévez has been a reliable arm in the MLB since his debut in 2016. Over the years, he has gained a reputation for his ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially as a closer. In the 2024 season, Estévez showcased his skill with a 2.46 ERA and 38 runs allowed, splitting his time between two teams. He started the season with the Los Angeles Angels, where he appeared in 34 games and closed 29 of them. He was then traded to the Phillies, where he continued to demonstrate his effectiveness, even making a postseason appearance.
Yankees Looking for a Veteran Arm
Despite a bullpen featuring some talented pitchers, the Yankees are experiencing a shortage in depth. Several of their key relievers, such as Clay Holmes and Tim Hill, are now free agents or uncertain about their future with the team. With so many vacancies and the importance of a strong bullpen in the postseason, the Yankees are looking for experienced relievers like Estévez to provide stability and strikeouts in tight situations.
Estévez’s Stats and Performance in 2024
Throughout his eight-year career, Estévez has accumulated 82 saves in 438 appearances, with an overall ERA of 4.21. His 2024 campaign stood out, as he posted a remarkable 2.46 ERA. Estévez also demonstrated his value in the postseason with the Phillies, where he pitched 2.2 innings, allowed two runs, and struck out four batters in three games against the Mets. His postseason experience and resilience in high-pressure games further solidify his credentials.
The All-Star Season of 2023
Estévez’s career reached a significant milestone in 2023 when he was named an MLB All-Star. His dominance during that season demonstrated his potential as one of the top relievers in the game, making him a prime target for teams like the Yankees looking to solidify their bullpen for the future.
What Are Carlos Estévez’s Salary and Contract Details?
In the 2024 season, Carlos Estévez earned $2.32 million with the Philadelphia Phillies. This was part of a two-year contract he signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. After his trade to the Phillies in July, he finished the year strong, contributing significantly to both teams. With his contract now expired, Estévez enters free agency, making him an attractive option for the Yankees and other teams in need of a seasoned reliever.
Why the Yankees Should Pursue Estévez
Carlos Estévez’s experience, strong performance in 2024, and postseason pedigree make him an ideal addition to the New York Yankees’ bullpen. With the team looking to compete for a World Series title, having a proven closer like Estévez could provide the stability they need to finish games with confidence. His ability to close out tight contests, combined with his high strikeout rates, would make him a formidable weapon in the Yankees’ bullpen.
As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2025 MLB season, their bullpen is a priority. Carlos Estévez, a free agent after a solid 2024 campaign with the Phillies, is one of the top targets the Yankees are considering. With his impressive career, recent success, and All-Star nod in 2023, Estévez has the experience and skill set to strengthen the Yankees’ bullpen and help them achieve their championship goals in the years to come.
