The Chicago Cubs have one of the best teams in the National League Central and know they can add to it with a strong closer in the bullpen.
There are still a considerable amount of high-end relievers on the market, but the best target for the Cubs may be one their division rival is also interested in signing. This would make for a fun bidding war heading into spring training.
Carlos Estévez recorded a 2.45 ERA in 54 games last season between the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies. He posted 26 saves in 2024 after producing a career-high 31 in 2023.
Bob Nightengale reported on Wednesday that the Cincinnati Reds are among the teams interested in signing Estévez, so the Cubs should swoop in while they have the chance.
Estévez has a market value of $42 million and is projected to sign a three-year deal. At a price of $14 million per year, the Cubs could certainly afford that to bolster the bullpen.
Signing with the Cubs would be the best of both worlds for Estévez as he would be compensated appropriately and also play for a team expected to really push for the NL Central title in 2025.
He showed in 2023 he can strike out batters at an extremely high rate as he notched an 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. That number dipped down in 2024, but he also reduced his walk total last season.
Estévez only conceded 16 walks over 54 games. (Four of those were intentional.) When looking at full 162 game seasons, that number tied a career-best for the 32-year-old closer.
Signing Estévez would make a lot of sense for the Cubs. Not only does he strengthen their own roster, but it steals a target from a division rival.
