Top 5 MLB Landing Spots for Free Agent Carlos Estevez
SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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Toronto Blue Jays: Reinventing the Bullpen
The Toronto Blue Jays desperately need bullpen help after finishing near the bottom in bullpen ERA (29th), FIP (30th), WHIP (24th), and AVG against (23rd) in 2024. While the Jays have re-signed veteran Yimi García, they lack a consistent closer following Jordan Romano’s departure.
Carlos Estévez, with his proven closing experience, could provide much-needed stability at the back end of the bullpen. General Manager Ross Atkins has already emphasized bullpen improvement as a priority this offseason, and Estévez could be the perfect addition to strengthen their late-inning reliability without overspending on the market’s priciest arms.
The Athletics: Adding Veteran Stability
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
The Athletics, following their move and record-breaking signing of Luis Severino, need to continue investing to avoid scrutiny from the MLBPA. Strengthening the bullpen with a proven closer like Carlos Estévez would not only bolster their roster but also satisfy financial obligations.
While the A’s already have a promising young closer in Mason Miller, Estévez would provide critical support in high-leverage situations while adding veteran leadership. His experience would help the Athletics’ bullpen improve from its mid-tier standing (13th in ERA, 19th in WHIP) and bring an added layer of depth to their pitching staff.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Supporting a Rising Team
The Pittsburgh Pirates are inching closer to consistent postseason contention, but their bullpen remains a weak spot after finishing near the bottom in ERA (27th), WHIP (28th), and AVG against (22nd). With Aroldis Chapman signing elsewhere, the Pirates need to replace his stabilizing presence in the bullpen.
Carlos Estévez can fill that void, providing a reliable veteran arm to support closer David Bednar, who struggled through a rough 2024 campaign. Estévez’s arrival would give the Pirates a dependable late-inning option to complement their emerging core.
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Kansas City Royals: Building a Contending Bullpen
The Kansas City Royals made strides in improving their bullpen late in the 2024 season, but there’s still room for upgrades. While Lucas Erceg looks like the closer of the future, adding a veteran like Estévez would provide valuable experience and support for their young relievers.
With rotation uncertainties and a potential shift of Kris Bubic back to the starting staff, the Royals may need to rely more heavily on their bullpen in 2025. Estévez could help bridge the gap and elevate Kansas City’s bullpen to match the premier relief corps of contending teams.
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Chicago Cubs: Seeking a Closer for Contention
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a prime position to contend in 2025, but their bullpen needs reinforcements to solidify their postseason push. While the team boasts promising young arms like Porter Hodge and Tyson Miller, they lack an experienced closer to anchor the bullpen.
Estévez brings veteran leadership and a track record of success that can help the Cubs navigate late-game situations. His presence would also provide insurance against regression from less-proven arms, ensuring that Chicago can maintain its momentum throughout the season.
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Toronto Blue Jays: Reinventing the Bullpen
The Toronto Blue Jays desperately need bullpen help after finishing near the bottom in bullpen ERA (29th), FIP (30th), WHIP (24th), and AVG against (23rd) in 2024. While the Jays have re-signed veteran Yimi García, they lack a consistent closer following Jordan Romano’s departure.
Carlos Estévez, with his proven closing experience, could provide much-needed stability at the back end of the bullpen. General Manager Ross Atkins has already emphasized bullpen improvement as a priority this offseason, and Estévez could be the perfect addition to strengthen their late-inning reliability without overspending on the market’s priciest arms.
The Athletics: Adding Veteran Stability
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
The Athletics, following their move and record-breaking signing of Luis Severino, need to continue investing to avoid scrutiny from the MLBPA. Strengthening the bullpen with a proven closer like Carlos Estévez would not only bolster their roster but also satisfy financial obligations.
While the A’s already have a promising young closer in Mason Miller, Estévez would provide critical support in high-leverage situations while adding veteran leadership. His experience would help the Athletics’ bullpen improve from its mid-tier standing (13th in ERA, 19th in WHIP) and bring an added layer of depth to their pitching staff.
