The Los Angeles Angels are having a pretty impressive start to the season. Yeah, they're only four games up .500 as of June 9, but they're ahead of schedule compared to what others expected from them.
That all started in the off-season when the Halos had sneaky good signings and put themselves in a great position to compete this season. One of their best signings, and arguably their best signing, was reliever Carlos Estevez. The Halos signed the righty reliever for two years worth $13.5 million.
And as things stand, that looks like a steal for the Angels, as he is pitching lights out for the club. The 30-year-old is having the best season of his career, and because of this, MLB writer for Bleacher Report Joel Reuter listed his contract as the best bargain contract for the Halos this season.
Los Angeles Angels: RP Carlos Estévez Contract:
$6.8 million (Free Agency) Despite inconsistent results during his six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Estévez was an in-demand free agent this past offseason thanks to a high-octane fastball and strong career results away from Coors Field. The 30-year-old signed a two-year, $13.5 million deal, and he has been lights out in the closer's role, converting 15-of-15 save chances with a 1.37 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 11.6 K/9 in 26 games.
The righty flame thrower is having a career year, and the numbers show it. In 2023, he has a 1-1 record with an incredible 1.32 ERA, 35 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP; he is also tied for third for the most saves in the league with 16.
People could argue that Estevez's 2023 is an outliner, but he pitched in Colorado for the last six seasons. Coors Field isn't kind to pitchers, so those past numbers are as inflated as possible.
The contract looks like a steal for the Halos, and he has been one of many bright spots for a team fighting its way to the postseason.
We should expect Carlos to make his first All-Star appearance this summer.
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