Phillies are fit to re-sign All-Star after major summer trade to acquire him

The Philadelphia Phillies certainly were active ahead of the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline.

Philadelphia has a strong chance of representing the National League in the World Series this fall but wasn't getting as much success out of the bullpen as it had hoped. The Phillies looked to the trade market to improve the spot and did so by acquiring All-Star closer Carlos Estévez in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

Los Angeles was one of the biggest sellers ahead of the deadline and dealt Estévez in the middle of the best season of his career. He has shined since joining the Phillies and has a 2.31 ERA in 11 appearances to go along with a 10-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 11 2/3 innings pitched.

He will be a free agent at the end of the season and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly suggested that the Phillies could attempt to re-sign him .

"Carlos Estévez is the de-facto closer for the Phillies, but he just hasn't had a ton of save opportunities since being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels prior to the trade deadline," Kelly said. "Nonetheless, the 2023 All-Star is having a career year and should do well in free agency this offseason.

"Estévez has a 2.42 ERA over 44 appearances this season, with 22 saves in 26 attempts. He's got a great personality, which made him a seamless transition into the Phillies clubhouse. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may like to re-sign the 31-year-old, but the Phillies could be left to decide between him and Jeff Hoffman this winter. Hoffman was a first-time All-Star this year, and he seems likely to be the bigger priority in the offseason."

Estévez has been fantastic for the Phillies since the trade deadline and certainly should be in consideration for the club this winter. He will be one of the top relievers available and will cost a lot, but the Phillies should consider a reunion.

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