The Cincinnati Reds have officially confirmed the addition of former Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez as part of their efforts to strengthen a struggling bullpen. With concerns surrounding the closer role, the Reds sought an experienced arm to solidify the back end of their relief corps, and Estévez emerged as their top target.
Addressing a Glaring Weakness
The Reds’ bullpen woes became evident early in the 2025 season, with late-game collapses highlighting the absence of a reliable closer. While Alexis Díaz previously handled ninth-inning duties, his inconsistencies and recent injury concerns left Cincinnati searching for alternatives.
Estévez, 32, brings valuable closing experience, having recorded 26 saves for the Angels in 2024 with a 2.45 ERA and 58 strikeouts over 55 innings. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and limit hard contact makes him an ideal fit for a Reds bullpen that has struggled to close out games.
Reds Front Office on the Move
Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall spoke on the acquisition, stating, “Carlos brings veteran leadership and proven closing experience that we believe will make an immediate impact. We’ve been searching for the right piece to anchor our bullpen, and we’re confident he can fill that role.”
The move follows the Reds’ offseason trade of reliever Fernando Cruz to the Yankees, which left a void in their high-leverage relief options. While the team explored internal candidates such as Scott Barlow, Taylor Rogers, and Tony Santillan, none had fully secured the role.
What’s Next for Cincinnati?
With Estévez now in the mix, the Reds hope to stabilize their late-game pitching and avoid the blown saves that have plagued them in recent seasons. As the team continues to push for contention in the National League Central, bolstering the bullpen could be the key to maintaining their competitive edge.
Fans can expect Estévez to immediately assume closer duties, potentially making his Reds debut in the coming series. With the addition of a proven arm, Cincinnati is making it clear that they are committed to addressing weaknesses and competing at the highest level.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for further updates on Estévez’s role with the Reds and potential additional moves by the front office.