Angels trade closer Estévez to Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies beefed up their bullpen Saturday, acquiring former All-Star closer Carlos Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect George Klassen and lefty Samuel Aldegheri, the teams announced.

Estévez, an All-Star in 2023, is enjoying the best season of his eight-year career. The 31-year-old has tallied 20 saves in 23 opportunities while sporting a career-best 2.38 ERA, 2.85 FIP, and 0.74 WHIP, along with 32 strikeouts and only five walks in 34 appearances. Estévez hasn't allowed a run in 18 consecutive outings dating back to May 28.

He'll add even more firepower to a Phillies bullpen that's among the best in baseball, joining All-Stars Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman, as well as lefty Gregory Soto.

Estévez is in the final season of a two-year, $13.5-million contract with the Halos. Over eight campaigns with the Angels and Colorado Rockies, he's tallied a 4.29 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 422 strikeouts, and 76 saves.

Klassen and Aldegheri were ranked by Baseball America as the Phillies' No. 5 and 7 prospects, respectively. Both pitchers shot up the organizational rankings this summer amid breakout performances in the minors.

Klassen was the Phillies' sixth-round pick last summer, but he didn't make his professional debut until this year. In 14 total starts split between Low-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore, the 22-year-old has put up a 1.97 ERA and 0.98 WHIP along with 89 strikeouts.

Aldegheri, originally signed by Philadelphia out of his native Italy in 2019, was promoted to Double-A Reading earlier this month. The 22-year-old put up a 3.23 ERA and 1.09 WHIP along with 109 strikeouts and only three home runs allowed in 15 total starts across the High-A and Double-A levels.