MLB Rumors: Carlos Estévez Traded to Phillies; Angels Land 2 Top Pitching Prospects

Andrew PetersJuly 27, 2024

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Carlos Estévez is heading to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Los Angeles Angels traded the relief pitcher to Philadelphia in exchange for top pitching prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri.

Estévez, one of the top closer in the majors, now joins one of the best pitching staffs in the National League as the Phillies look to make a World Series run.

Along with 32 strikeouts across 34 appearances, the 31-year-old righty has a 2.38 ERA and a 0.74 WHIP, both of which would be career bests if he continues his production. Estévez has also collected 20 saves this season and has pitched 18 straight scoreless appearances, retiring 53 of the last 58 batters he’s faced.

His surge comes at the perfect time as he’ll look to help one of the top contenders in the majors make a significant postseason run.

The Phillies had to pay a steep price to land Estévez, but it could be worth it if they win the World Series.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter lists Klassen and Aldegheri as the fifth and sixth-ranked prospects in Philadelphia’s farm system. In 14 starts this year, Klassen has a 1.97 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 89 strikeouts for the Phillies’ High-A Affiliate. Aldegheri, playing for Philadelphia’s Double-A affiliate, has a 3.23 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 109 strikeouts in 15 starts.

Both prospects are also just 22 years old, so they still have plenty of time to develop.

The Angels are likely out of postseason contention barring a late-season miracle, so adding some young talent at the deadline could pay off in the long run.