Philadelphia Phillies Linked to Possible Reunion With Star Free Agent Reliever

With their star free agent reliever still on the market, the Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to a reunion with him.
Aug 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (53) celebrates with catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) after a victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park
Aug 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (53) celebrates with catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) after a victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
In this story:

It's hard to believe the Philadelphia Phillies are done making moves, but that's exactly how it appears at this point in the offseason.

That's a testament to how Dave Dombrowski has operated in the past, working with owner John Middleton to get this franchise back into contender status after a prolonged stretch of irrelevancy.

This roster is littered with star players, and despite coming up short the last two playoffs, there is more than enough in place for them to win their first World Series since 2008, even if the battle is an uphill one based on their strong division and the loaded National League as a whole.

However, it's still difficult to envision the Phillies not making a splash this winter, and maybe that's why David Schoenfield of ESPN connected them to Carlos Estevez again.

"... and while the Phillies signed Jordan Romano to replace Jeff Hoffman, Romano is coming off an injury-plagued season, so don't rule out a return there," he wrote.

But, it would be surprising if Philadelphia re-signed their trade deadline acquistion.

Despite Estevez being well-liked in the clubhouse after the front office shipped out two star prospects to land him, Dombrowski has openly admitted they're a little hamstrung when it comes to finances based on the amount of money they currently have on their payroll.

Middleton isn't shutting down spending by any means per the executive, but they both also understand the ramifications that come from being repeat tax offenders and signing high-priced free agents like their former closer.

The Phillies are ready to give Orion Kerkering more responsibility this season, and even with the short career he's had, he appears to be a burgeoning superstar reliever in his own right.

A reunion between Philadelphia and Estevez isn't likely unless his market value goes way down, something that doesn't seem plausible based on him putting up his two best years right before hitting free agency.

Something certainly could get done.

The Phillies have pulled off some shocking moves late in the offseason before, but at this point in time, it seems like they are more than comfortable going into the spring with the relief staff they currently have.


Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai