Here’s another guy I wasn’t going to write about connected to the Cubs, but then he appeared in this Jim Bowden article in The Athletic Monday, about who he considers the top 15 remaining free agents. Here’s what Bowden wrote:

Like [Kirby] Yates, Estévez probably has to wait until Scott signs before he can find his next team. I think the Cubs, who need to build up their bullpen, are the best fit for him. They could use the strike-throwing power righty in high-leverage spots late in games. Teams such as the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox and Giants also make sense for Estévez, who logged 26 saves between the Phillies and Angels last year.

Carlos Estévez had several undistinguished seasons for the Rockies from 2016-22 (4.59 ERA, 1.407 WHIP, 2.1 bWAR in 321 games) — but then, what pitcher doesn’t have “undistinguished seasons” in Colorado?

He signed as a free agent with the Angels in 2023 and was installed as their closer. He had 31 saves with only two blown saves and posted a 3.90 ERA. That was worth an All-Star appearance.

Last year after he posted 20 saves (also with two blown saves) he was traded to the Phillies at the deadline for a pair of minor leaguers. He inherited closing duties from Jeff Hoffman and José Alvarado, and posted six saves, again with two blown saves.

I think Estévez could be a good fit for the Cubs. Here’s his pitch selection from 2024. As you can see, he’s got a good four-seam fastball and also mixes in a changeup and slider.

Baseball Savant

Here he is striking out Christopher Morel at Wrigley Field as an Angel last July [VIDEO].

That was on a 96+ mile per hour fastball, rising in the zone.

Estévez, obviously, has closing experience. Personally, I’d have him set up Porter Hodge, and then if Hodge can’t handle the job, Estévez could step in.

Estévez turned 32 about 10 days ago and made $6.75 million in 2023, the last of a two-year deal that paid him the same in 2022. Overall last year he had a 2.45 ERA and 0.909 WHIP in 54 games covering 55 innings. That was worth 2.1 bWAR. He also had a very good walk rate in 2024, just 12 of 212 batters faced (5.7 percent).

Since many of you want me to put some numbers out there: One year, $7 million, with a vesting option for 2026 for $9 million. Who says no?