Closer Carlos Estevez moves from Angels to Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies acquire Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estevez in exchange for George Klaasen and Samuel Daghiri

the Philadelphia Phillies They gained To the nearest Carlos Estevezfor Los Angeles Angels Saturday, pay a heavy price to Send to two possibilities Set up first levelbut with the addition of a dynamic arm to an already strong bullpen.

The deal for Estevez, 31, a free agent this winter, would send the right-hander George Clasen And the left hand Samuel Al-Daghiri To the angels.

With Estevez, the Phillies add a solid late-inning reliever to a pedigree-rich bullpen. In addition to All-Stars Jeff Hoffman and Matt Stram, the Phillies have 23-year-old Orion Kerkering, plus Jose Alvarado and Gregory Soto, both of whom have closing experience.

Estevez has shown complete dominance this season, with just three unintentional runs in 34 innings. He has struck out 32 batters and limited his ERA to .169/.202/.288, while also posting a 2.38 ERA with 20 saves.

“He was one of the best players in baseball last year,” Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said. “He’s a guy who can pitch the ninth inning. We’ll see how he does.” [el manager Rob Thomson] Determines how you’ll use it. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays a lot of ninth innings.”

With a 64-39 record, the Phillies have the best record in baseball and are widely considered the favorites to win the World Series. Trading the quality of Klassen and Aldgeri for a potential free agent is a steep price, but it reflects the team’s urgency after back-to-back losses in the World Series and the National League Championship Series.

“We’re trying to win,” Dombrowski said. “We think he’s a guy who can be a really important part of that.”

Klassen, 22, is the prize of the bargain. A sixth-round pick last year out of Minnesota, he struggled with pitching in college but has become a revelation with the Phillies. With a fastball that tops 100 mph, he made nine starts in Low-A and posted a 0.71 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 innings. Since being promoted to High-A, Klassen has a 4.22 ERA, but he has maintained his high strikeout rate and kept his walks in check.

He can move quickly in the Angels’ depleted farm system, though Daghiri is closer to the major leagues. The 22-year-old, who was born and raised in Verona, Italy, was recently promoted to Double-A after sweeping the first division with 95 strikeouts, 28 walks and just three runs allowed in 68 innings.

“We didn’t want to give them up, but that’s the price you have to pay for acquisitions now,” Dombrowski said.