*Photo from Sports Illustrated*
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired RHP Carlos Estevez from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for RHP George Klassen and LHP Samuel Aldegheri, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The trade has been confirmed.
Estevez is currently enjoying the best year of his career to date, and it's coming at a good time, as he's set to become a free agent at the end of the season. For the Phillies, who don't have a set closer this year, he'll take over the 9th inning role as the team has a substantial lead on the NL East.
Asked about the trade, Estevez said "It's a great feeling. You have this adrenaline rush all the time. That feels amazing, and I'm glad that we're going to go for it. I want to experience it again. And that's something I was missing. I'm glad that if I'm going to another place, it's a place that I can get a shot to win a ring."
Making the all star game in 2023, Estevez is having an even better 2024 with the Angels. He has a 2.38 ERA, 2.85 FIP, and 0.74 WHIP to his name, converting 20 saves in 23 chances and having walked just 5 hitters in 34 innings pitched, appearing in 34 games.
The Phillies bullpen, already one of the best in baseball this season, adds another weapon in Estevez, who has been especially dominant the last few months. Dating back to May 28, Estevez hasn't allowed a run in 18 consecutive outings. He also has limited the long ball, allowing 3 home runs all season.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said of the trade "We looked at some guys with control. It’s interesting being in our room when we had those types of conversations. The reality comes down to, for me, we wanted the best guy to give us a chance to win this year. There might have been some guys that maybe we could’ve gotten with control, but we didn’t think they were as good pitchers to win in the postseason. We just feel that he’s the right guy. It’s probably a little more than you’d like to give up for a rental, but who knows? Maybe we’ll sign him once the year’s over."
Klassen, one of the return pieces for the Angels, will become their 3rd ranked prospect overall, while the lefty Aldegheri will become the 8th ranked prospect. Klassen is in the middle of his first professional season, while Aldegheri was signed by the Phillies from his native Italy in 2019 but didn't debut until 2021.
Before the trade, Klassen was the Phillies 23rd ranked prospect entering this season. Combined between Low A Clearwater and High A Jersey Shore, he has a 1.97 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, averaging a ridiculous 13.5 strikeouts per 9 innings in 59 1/3 innings across 14 starts.
Aldegheri was the Phillies 28th ranked prospect entering this year. Combined between Jersey Shore and Double A Reading, he has a 3.23 ERA and 1.09 WHIP to his name, having allowed 3 home runs all year while averaging 12.6 strikeouts per 9 innings in 15 starts, totaling 78 innings pitched.
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