When the Philadelphia Phillies traded for right-handed reliever , it was a sensible move.
Although Estevez is a rental player set to hit free agency after the season, the Phillies needed reinforcement in their bullpen. Their roster had few weaknesses, and while the bullpen wasn’t particularly poor, bolstering it is crucial for any team vying for a championship.
It’s uncertain whether the Phillies see this acquisition solely as a bid to win a World Series or if they plan to retain him long-term. Ideally, they would extend his contract in the offseason, but they will likely face stiff competition from other teams, which could drive up his price beyond what they are comfortable paying.
Cody Stavenhagen from The Athletic suggested that this move was aimed at enhancing their chances in October. While he didn’t specify if that was the only motivation, the postseason clearly played a significant role.
“This feels like a classic Dombrowski trade. Need to upgrade the bullpen? Check. Trade valuable prospects for that upgrade? Check. Estévez averages a fastball speed of 96.4 mph, fitting the profile of the power arm the Phillies need. The objective is clear: they’re chasing a World Series, and they hope Estevez will help them succeed in October.”
Estevez has arguably been one of the most underrated relief pitchers in MLB, yet he has been outstanding this season. His current 2.25 ERA with the Phillies is nearly two runs lower than his career average of 4.20, marking what could be his best year yet.
Relievers often find their stride eventually, which appears to be the case for him. However, this makes predicting his contract situation tricky.
Spotrac has estimated that Estevez could command a five-year deal worth about $69.5 million as a free agent.
While such a contract shouldn’t be seen as an overpay, it’s still a significant investment for someone having the best season of his career. With Jeff Hoffman also set to become a free agent, the Phillies might be wiser to allocate their resources to retaining him.
Historically, the Phillies have not hesitated to spend in recent offseasons, so if they want to keep Estevez, they’ll find a way to make it happen.
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