Yankees Rumors: Carlos Estévez 1 of ‘Many’ Rescuers Eyeing in 2024 MLB Free Agency | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The reigning American League champion New York Yankees are heavily looking for relief pitching after putting together a bullpen during the 2024 season.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Carlos Estévez is considered one of “many” free-agent relievers the Yankees are looking to sign.

The Yankees will likely start 2025 with Luke Weaver in the closer role after picking up his $2.5 million option on November 1.

Beyond Weaver, however, there are key questions about how manager Aaron Boone will navigate the middle innings as things currently stand.

Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill are all free agents. That trio combined to play 149.2 innings in the regular season. They were also the main group of relievers Boone turned to after Weaver in the playoffs.

Estévez was an All-Star for the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. Last season, he split between the Angels and Philadelphia Phillies, who acquired him in a trade on July 27.

The 31-year-old Estévez had the best season of his career in 2024 with an ERA of 2.45 in 54 appearances. He allowed just 38 hits and five home runs in 55 innings.

After a rough start to his career with the Colorado Rockies, Estévez has emerged as a reliable middle reliever. Since 2022, he has posted a 3.30 ERA in 179 appearances.

Since Estévez isn’t a closer, his price on the open market probably won’t be incredibly high. The Yankees will likely need to sign at least two relievers given their current crop of free agents.

Estévez would fit right in as a middle reliever who is effective against both righties and lefties for the Yankees if he eventually signs with them.