In one of the least surprising developments of the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers recently finalized a deal with top free-agent reliever Tanner Scott. Scott had been heavily pursued by the Chicago Cubs, but they ultimately fell short in securing the star lefty.
Instead, he joined the league’s top team on a contract featuring deferred money. Now, the Cubs will need to shift their focus to finding a different closer for 2025. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi recently linked the Cubs to another top free-agent reliever in the wake of Scott’s signing.
“Carlos Estévez’s free agent market is intensifying, following the Tanner Scott and A.J. Minter signings in recent days,” Morosi tweeted shortly after Scott’s deal with the Dodgers. “The Blue Jays and Cubs – both of whom had interest in Scott – are among several teams pursuing Estévez.” While Scott was widely regarded as the top closer available, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Carlos Estévez wasn’t far behind.
Estévez posted 26 saves in 2024, split between the Los Angeles Angels and the Phillies. His fastball regularly reaches the upper 90s, allowing him to overpower hitters. With the Cubs in need of a closer, Estévez may be their best remaining option now that Scott has signed with the Dodgers. Spotrac estimates Estévez could sign for $42 million, a price the Cubs can likely afford.
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