There have been rumblings around the Atlanta Braves making an impact move soon. However, that hasn’t happened yet and it’s a bit surprising but it’s not a question of if the Braves will make moves to improve their roster; it’s more of when.
MLB insider Jon Heyman recently provided updates on the remaining market including relievers. Heyman reported that he believes Atlanta would be a potential fit for one of the best free-agent relievers remaining on the market in Carlos Estevez.
Braves linked to high-leverage reliever Carlos Estévez
The acclaimed New York Post columnist stated that the Braves would be a good fit for Carlos Estévez during a recent streaming appearance. Estévez was an All-Star for the Angels in 2023 after spending the first six years of his career with the Rockies.
He began the season with the Angels in 2024 and looked great again. However, he looked so good that contending teams wanted his services. Estévez was traded to the Phillies ahead of the trade deadline and proved why he was one of the top relievers in baseball.
Estévez’s ERA for the 2024season was 2.45 with 12 walks, 50 strikeouts, and a 3.24 FIP. He accomplished this over 55 innings (34 in Anaheim and 21 in Philly) with a 2.38 ERA with the Angels versus a 2.57 ERA with the dreaded Phillies.
His advanced metrics for the 2024 season may not jump off the page but he excelled in a few categories. This included walk rate (5.7%), fastball velocity (96.8 mph), xERA (3.19), and xBA (.220). There are a few noticeable things that would cause the Braves to exercise caution. These concerns lie with his chase (24.4%), hard-hit (42.3%), barrel (10.1%), and ground ball percentage (32.2%) which all lie below the 20th percentile among all MLB relievers last season.
Carlos Estévez, 99mph Paint 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/OEsVYJzoOq
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 18, 2023
However, he was still excellent despite those shortcomings. Estévez’s only allowed a .235 wOBA in 2024 which was in the top 4% of Major League Baseball. He also was one of the best in regards to run value last season. The hard-throwing righty featured a total pitching run value of 9 and excelled in his run value for his fastball, breaking, and offspeed pitches as well.
He allowed just 15 earned runs all season so despite giving up hard contact, he limited walks and kept runners from scoring a lot when they got on base. He would be a great fit for Atlanta’s bullpen if they believe he can sustain this success. Heyman also mentioned the Angels as another potential spot for the right-hander in 2025.
Estévez made $6.75MM in 2024 and according to SpotRac’s market value tool, he’s expected to earn at least a three-year contract worth an annual average value (AAV) of $14 million. If Atlanta is indeed in on the reliever this fits the bill of a contract they normally like to sign but I’d expect it to be closer to the $10 million AAV range.
