MLB Trade: Veteran pitcher Carlos Estévez of the Philadelphia Phillies signs a three-year, $27 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in free agency.

Disheartening Update on Boston’s Efforts to Sign $27M Closer

Carlos Estévez is one of the top remaining bullpen options in free agency, but it seems unlikely that the hard-throwing right-hander will be joining the Boston Red Sox.

Estévez has been linked to Boston since the team missed out on star lefty Tanner Scott. The 32-year-old would provide another experienced, high-leverage arm for the Red Sox bullpen, which currently lacks a set closer.

However, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox are not considered front-runners for Estévez.

“On Estévez: Red Sox ‘have checked in but not serious’ as of this morning,” Cotillo wrote on X Wednesday. “I know you’ve heard that one before. Wonder if they’re looking at the trade market for bullpen. To me, just spend. You have room. Lots of guys out there. Just overpay a little and get one.”

MLB Trade Rumors forecasts Estévez will sign a three-year, $27 million contract in free agency.

Over the last two seasons, Estévez posted a 3.22 ERA with 57 saves across 117 appearances. He spent the entirety of 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies midseason.

As of this week, the Red Sox’s key offseason bullpen additions have been lefties Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson.