In one of the least shocking turns of events of the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers recently agreed to terms on a deal with top free agent reliever Tanner Scott.
Scott was closely pursued by the Chicago Cubs, but they Cubs ultimately came up short of acquiring the star lefty. Instead, he landed with the best team in the league on a deal loaded with deferred money.
Now Chicago is going to have to pivot to a different pitcher to be its closer in 2025.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi recently linked the Cubs to another top free-agent reliever following this disappointing end to Scott’s free agency.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 09: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carlos Estevez #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets during Game Four of the Division Series at Citi Field on October 09, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 4-1.
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
“Carlos Estévez’s free agent market is intensifying, following the Tanner Scott and A.J. Minter signings in recent days,” Morosi wrote in a post to Twitter/X shortly after Scott signed with the Dodgers. “The Blue Jays and Cubs — both of whom had interest in Scott — are among several teams pursuing Estévez.”
While Scott was the clear top closer in free agency, former Philadelphia Phillies Carlos Estévez was close behind.
Estévez registered 26 saves in 2024 split between the Los Angeles Angels and the Phillies. His fastball routinely sits in the upper 90s, allowing him to overpower hitters.
The Cubs need to add a closer and Estévez might be the best option left after Scott landed with the Dodgers. Spotrac projects the righty to sign for $42 million and that’s definitely a price tag the Cubs could afford.
More MLB: Anthony Santander Predicted To Sign Massive Deal With Hated Division Rival
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
