Cubs predicted to sign $23 million All-Star away from Phillies in free agency

The Chicago Cubs missed the postseason in 2024 after having high hopes to start the year.  They could be active in free agency as they look to reach the postseason in 2025.

While predicting landing spots for the top 25 free agents, Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicted that Philadelphia Phillies reliever Carlos Estévez would sign with the Cubs.

"Estévez is a capable bullpen arm. Someone will sign him to either be their closer or top setup man," wrote Kelly. "But he's not quite at the same level as some of the other relievers available in free agency."

The Cubs certainly need a closer. They were in the bottom half of the league in converting saves in 2024. Kelly predicted the Cubs to sign Estévez to a two-year, $23 million deal. In 2023, he was named an All-Star for the Los Angeles Angels. He was acquired at the trade deadline by the Phillies.

He had a 2.45 ERA in 54 games. However, a poor ending to the season could have spelled the end of his time with the Phillies. 

"Still, there were some warning signs with Estévez down the stretch with the Phillies. He gave up at least one hit in five out of his last six appearances. In three of those games, he allowed multiple hits," wrote Kelly. "It often feels like he's overly reliant on you just not being able to catch up to his fastball, which sits around 97 mph. The problem is, on the biggest stages, great hitters can catch up to fastballs that are flat, even if they're thrown hard."