Blue Jays pivot to All-Star reliever after losing out on Tanner Scott

Carlos Estevez, one of the top relievers remaining on the free agent market, could reunite with Philadelphia Phillies teammate Jeff Hoffman in the Blue Jays' bullpen.

On Sunday afternoon, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that the Blue Jays, along with the Chicago Cubs, are in on 32-year-old reliever Carlos Estevez.

Morosi, along with fellow Jon (Heyman) have both reported that the Blue Jays were in on Tanner Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers (with deferred money, of course).

Estevez, 32, closed the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Phillies.

He was previously an All-Star with the Los Angeles Angels before getting dealt to the Phillies at last summer's trade deadline.

In 54 appearances this past season, Estevez went 4-5 with a 2.45 ERA, 0.909 WHIP, 26 saves and a 2.1 WAR.

He went 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA, 1.492 WHIP, 31 saves and a 0.6 WAR in 2023.

Estevez got his start with the Colorado Rockies, spending 12 years in the organization before joining the Angels.

Over the course of his MLB career, the Dominican right-hander is 27-31 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.355 WHIP, 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a 4.8 WAR.

Toronto has made a few notable additions to their bullpen this winter, with Jeff Hoffman standing out as their biggest swing.

The Blue Jays signed the former Phillies closer to a three-year deal last week after bringing back Yimi García trading for Nick Sandlin.

The Blue Jays still have a lot of work to do this off-season, such as adding a starting pitcher and a power bat or two.

However, one area of improvement so far has been their bullpen, as they've added Jeff Hoffman to close, brought back Yimi Garcia, and traded for Nick Sandlin.

Overall, their league-worst bullpen in 2024 is what sank them, so at least the team is doing something to rectify their weaknesses last season.

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