ESPN insider floats a potential relief trade option for the Red Sox
The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the Red Sox declared themselves buyers. Boston is in the market to add starting pitching, potentially another reliever, and a right-handed hitter.
One player in the Angels bullpen could draw interest from the Red Sox, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Angels’ hurler Carlos Estevez is gaining interest around the league, and the Red Sox could be a fit for the veteran.
“Carlos Estevez has what so many contenders are looking for—dominant stuff and experience closing games,” Olney wrote. “The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have closers, in Clay Holmes and Kenley Jansen, respectively, but Estevez would provide either one of those teams someone who could take the ninth inning if the closer was weary or slumping.”
Boston is in the market for another reliever with high-leverage relief option Chris Martin on the injured list. Estevez has been stellar for the Angels this season, posting a 2.38 ERA in 34 games with 20 saves (23 opportunities) and 32 strikeouts to just five walks.
The 31-year-old has struck out nearly 26% of batters faces while keeping his walk rate at a 4% clip over 34 innings.
Estevez will hit the open market at the end of the season. He is coming off a two-year, $13.5 million deal he signed during the 2022-2023 offseason.
The possible addition of Estevez would offer Boston a veteran late-inning option and protection in the ninth inning if closer Kenley Jansen is unavailable.
Boston’s bullpen has struggled since coming back from the All-Star break, blowing leads during the Dodgers and Rockies series, respectively. Craig Breslow needs to do his due diligence in finding adequate relief help to take the pressure off the rest of the relievers in the bullpen. The clock is ticking, and Tuesday at 6 p.m. will be here before fans know it.
