REPORT: Cincinnati Reds lands lucrative deal with former Angels closer in free agency
The MLB offseason is heating up as spring training draws closer. While relief pitchers play an increasingly significant role in today’s game, they’ve been the slowest position group to move in free agency. However, the market shifted when the Dodgers locked in Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, prompting other teams to act quickly. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Cincinnati Reds have turned their attention to former Angels closer Carlos Estévez.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projected Estévez to land a three-year, $36 million contract in free agency. If the Reds sign him, it would mark a rare instance of Cincinnati prioritizing their bullpen, as the franchise is typically conservative with free-agent spending. With Alexis Díaz already in the closer role, Estévez could find himself in a committee rather than closing full-time. During his stint with the Phillies last season, Estévez shared late-inning duties with Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman, raising questions about whether his potential role in Cincinnati warrants a three-year investment. Given the Reds’ usual financial prudence, a two-year deal with a lower average annual value might be more realistic. Still, the Dodgers’ aggressive spending could push other teams to overpay for Estévez’s services.
Among this year’s free-agent relievers, Estévez stands out as younger, more proven, and more effective than most of the market—aside from Tanner Scott. This makes him a coveted target, even if he doesn’t command top-tier closer money.
For the Angels, moving Estévez last season proved fruitful. The trade brought in top-10 prospects George Klassen and Sam Aldegheri, strengthening their farm system. Klassen, with his electric fastball and dominant arsenal, has closer potential, while Aldegheri offers a crafty, offspeed-heavy approach to getting outs. These moves were critical for an Angels organization focused on replenishing its pipeline. Alongside the Luis García trade, the return for Estévez was a major win.
Despite the trade’s success, Angels fans lament Estévez’s departure, as he was a rare bright spot during his 1.5 seasons with the team. If he signs with the Reds on a discount, frustration could grow, especially since the Angels have yet to address their bullpen meaningfully. While minor-league signings like Dakota Hudson, Victor González, and Connor Brogdon offer depth, none have Estévez’s ceiling or can step into a high-leverage role alongside Ben Joyce. For now, a reunion with Estévez seems off the table, leaving Angels fans to wonder when—or if—the team will make a significant bullpen upgrade.