Ex-Angels All-Star drawing interest from Reds after Orioles kickstart reliever market

The Cincinnati Reds came to terms with all eight of their arbitration eligible players ahead of Thursday's deadline. Among them were the team's top two high-leverage relievers, Alexis Díaz and Sam Moll.

But news broke late on Thursday, courtesy of New York Post columnist and MLB insider Jon Heyman, that Cincinnati is interested in former Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez. The relief market has been relatively quiet so far this winter, but the Baltimore Orioles' one-year, $10 million deal with Andrew Kittredge could prompt the Reds and other teams to begin signing other top-end relievers

Reds Rumors: Cincy interested in former Angels closer Carlos Estévez

Estévez had an All-Star campaign with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. The right-hander made 63 appearances out of the Halos' bullpen and recorded 31 saves over 62 ⅓ innings that season. Last season, Estévez spent the first-half of the year with the Angels before being dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies at the MLB trade deadline. Combined, Estévez went 4-5 with a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves.

The Reds traded away one of their top relievers this winter after agreeing to send Fernando Cruz to the New York Yankees in exchange for Jose Trevino. Cruz had been the setup man for Díaz since 2023, and whlie Moll can certainly handle high-leverage situations, he's a lefty. Targeting Estévez in free agency would seem to signal Cincinnati's awareness that a right-handed option late in games, in addition to Díaz, is still a necessity.

While the starting pitching market has become rather barren, there are plenty of relievers remaining in free agency. High-end relief pitchers like Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, and Kirby Yates have been languishing on the free agent market since the offseason began.

The Reds aren't the only team kicking the tires on Estévez. The Toronto Blue Jays, who have mega-bucks to spend this winter, are also in the mix for the former Angels' closer. The Jays can definitely outspend the Redlegs and it's oftentimes quite difficult to lure free agent pitchers to Cincinnati, but perhaps the Reds' situation is more appealing to the 32-year-old veteran.

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