Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Cincinnati Reds are heavily involved in negotiations with free-agent reliever Carlos Estévez. The right-hander has been a key target for the Reds this offseason and could bring valuable depth to the back end of their bullpen.
Estévez, who previously served as the Los Angeles Angels’ closer, was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at last year’s MLB trade deadline. In 2024, he appeared in 54 games, recording 26 saves with an impressive 2.45 ERA and a 0.909 WHIP.
Reds close to signing former Angels closer Carlos Estévez
If the Reds manage to secure a deal with Estévez, he would provide much-needed stability to the back end of Cincinnati’s bullpen following closer Alexis Díaz’s inconsistent 2024 season. Earlier this offseason, the Reds traded Fernando Cruz to the New York Yankees, and while fans have voiced concerns about the team’s lack of outfield depth, the bullpen has also been largely overlooked during the winter.
The Reds aren’t the only team pursuing Estévez this offseason. The veteran reliever has drawn interest from the Toronto Blue Jays as well as two other AL East teams: the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
The relief pitcher market has picked up steam recently, with the Los Angeles Dodgers signing Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. Estévez is arguably the top remaining option in free agency and would be a significant addition if Reds general manager Nick Krall can finalize the deal.
Currently, the Reds’ bullpen features Díaz, Sam Moll, Brent Suter, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagán, with Casey Legumina, Carson Spiers, Luis Mey, Lyon Richardson, and Yosver Zulueta providing additional depth. The team could also consider converting Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips into relievers, though both are expected to compete for spots in the starting rotation during spring training.
Before free agency began, MLB Trade Rumors projected Estévez to land a three-year, $27 million contract. A multi-year deal for a reliever would be unusual for the Reds’ front office, making it interesting to see if they can close the deal and what the final terms might look like.
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