The Los Angeles Angels traded closer Carlos Estévez to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday in exchange for two starting pitcher prospects in George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri. It was a big and necessary move for the future of the franchise, but it opens up the closer role for the 2024 edition of the team.
Angels manager Ron Washington knew that this decision was in the works, as Estévez was seen as an inevitability to be traded. In the meantime, he looked through his other bullpen arms to find who would take over the closer role and landed on two options in the event that another reliever is dealt as well.
Starting Sunday, Luis Garcia is expected to be the primary closer for the Angels. But if he is dealt before Tuesday’s trade deadline, Ben Joyce would assume those responsibilities, via Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Ron Washington said that Luis Garcia is stepping into the closers role.
Ben Joyce, however, would get many of those reps if Luis Garcia is dealt before the deadline, Washington said.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 28, 2024
Garcia, 37, has never been a primary closer in his career. In fact, he has tallied only 14 saves in 12 MLB seasons. However, he has been solid for the Angels this season, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.195 WHIP in 42.2 innings. He has an ERA+ of 113 on the year.
Garcia’s name, though, has also been in trade talks. And it would not be surprising to see him get dealt before Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. PT. If that ends up being the case, Joyce would take over from there. Joyce, 23, has been a standout for the Angels in his second Major League campaign.
He has a 2.33 ERA and 1.293 WHIP with a 186 ERA+, but he has done so in far fewer innings than Garcia. Joyce has never recorded a Major League save or a blown save.
The Angels are going to finalize all their plans after Tuesday passes and they know exactly what their organization is going to look like.
Angels still have deals to make
League-wide interest remains for players like Tyler Anderson — who is seen as among the most desirable starting pitchers on the market — Luis Rengifo, Taylor Ward, Garcia, Matt Moore and even Reid Detmers as a reclamation project.
This leaves the Angels in a strong position of leverage over the final two days before the trade deadline. Anderson and Rengifo, at this stage, appear likely to be dealt given the lack of available players at those positions around the league.
