With Joe Jimenez potentially out for the entire season, many believe the Braves will make a notable splash for a reliever. According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman via Stripers Report, the club is showing interest in right-hander Carlos Estevez.
The 32-year-old has been average, at best, for most of his career, but Estévez emerged when he finally left Coors Field, which is notoriously unfriendly to pitchers. In 2023, he signed a two-year deal with the Angels, earning All-Star honors for the first time in his career.
Los Angeles quickly capitalized on a wise investment after Estevez improved even more during the first half of the 2024 campaign, trading him to the Phillies. Across last season with both clubs, the veteran hurler threw 55.0 innings with a 2.45 ERA and an impressive 0.909 WHIP.
The Braves have shown they have no issue investing heavily into their bullpen. They are paying several guys anywhere from $10-15 million. However, each of Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, and Joe Jimenez were acquired via trade, with the latter two being extended after the deals.
Paying a reliever coming off a career year like Carlos Estevez is similar to paying an aging slugger retail price. The Braves have a specific kind of player they target, and this isn’t necessarily the type that makes a lot of sense. Of course, the club needs a high-leverage reliever to replace A.J. Minter and potentially Joe Jimenez, who could be out the entire 2025 campaign.
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