Carlos Estévez’s free agent market is intensifying, following the Tanner Scott and A.J. Minter signings in recent days. The Blue Jays and Cubs — both of whom had interest in Scott — are among several teams pursuing Estévez. @MLBNetwork
Blue Jays reportedly have interest in reliever Carlos Estévez
Photo credit: © Vincent Carchietta - USA Today
Jan 19, 2025, 16:30 ESTUpdated: Jan 19, 2025, 16:21 EST
The Toronto Blue Jays hope to add another reliever to their bullpen.
On Sunday afternoon, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that the Blue Jays, along with the Chicago Cubs, are in on 32-year-old reliever Carlos Estévez. Take it with a grain of salt, of course, as the Blue Jays are seemingly in on everyone.
Morosi, along with fellow Jon (Heyman) have both reported that the Blue Jays were in on Tanner Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers (with deferred money, of course).
Jays were among teams in on Scott. Tough to compete with Dodgers these days, on field or off
The right-handed pitcher most recently pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies after a mid-season trade. Overall, he finished with a 2.45 ERA and a 3.24 FIP in 55 innings pitched, with a 23.6 K% and a 5.7 BB% with 26 saves in 31 opportunities with the Phillies and the Los Angeles Angels.
For Estévez’s career, he has a 4.21 ERA and a 4.04 FIP in 419.1 innings pitched, along with a 24.2 K% and an 8.9 BB%. It’s also worth noting that the Dominican Republic native spent his first six seasons with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Estévez has good stuff, according to Baseball Savant. He only ended up with a 54th percentile K% and a 50th percentile Whiff %. With the fastball, the right-handed pitcher sits 96.8 mph, in the 89th percentile, and has a six run value on the pitch. He features an upper-80s slider as well (four run value) and a high-80s changeup (two run value).
The Jays still have a lot of work to do this off-season, such as adding a starting pitcher and a power bat or two. However, one area of improvement so far has been their bullpen, as they’ve added Jeff Hoffman to close, brought back Yimi García, and traded for Nick Sandlin. Overall, their league-worst bullpen in 2024 is what sank them, so at least the team is doing something to rectify their weaknesses last season.
Adding Estévez would push one of Chad Green or García out of the setup role and give them a second closer if need be, but it may be better to spend money elsewhere, like on Anthony Santander.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
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