The Los Angeles Angels continued to add to their roster as the club announced the signing of former Colorado Rockies reliever Carlos Estévez on a multi-year deal.
Estévez received a two-year, $13.5 million contract ($6.75 million annually) after he became a free agent for the first time in his career this offseason.
The 29-year-old appeared in 62 games for Colorado last season, notching a 4-4 record with a 3.47 ERA across 57 innings pitched. He held opposing hitters to a .211 batting average, the best mark of his career, and from early July to the end of the regular season, he was a top-10 reliever in the National League with a 2.03 ERA.
The Santo Domino, Dominican Republic native wasn’t a closer for the Rockies, pitching in front of Daniel Bard, but the hard-throwing righty will have a chance to close games for the Angels.
With a fastball in the upper 90s, he grades out in the 97th percentile in fastball velocity, according to Baseball Savant. 2022 was his second-highest fastball usage of his career and it translated into the best of his six years in Major League Baseball.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian hasn’t reestablished someone at the backend of their bullpen since trading away Raisel Iglesias at the deadline last season in a salary dump with the Atlanta Braves. Estévez should have a shot at the closer job from day one and provides the team with a high-velocity pitcher on a team-friendly deal.
The Angels should continue looking to add to the back end of their bullpen as it remains the biggest need on the roster.
After adding Carlos Estévez, Perry Minasian is still looking to ‘Boost’ Angels roster
The 2022 MLB Winter Meetings began in San Diego, Calif. on Sunday with a quiet first day, but the second day presented a lot more action with two significant signings.
The New York Mets opened the day by reportedly agreeing to terms with the reigning American League Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander. Then, All-Star shortstop Trea Turner reportedly agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies on a mega-contract.
The Angels are still in the market for a shortstop, and the club should continue to look to add to their roster this week.
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