THE Philadelphia Phillies have been predicted to release an expensive All-Star from their roster.
Philadelphia is coming off a devastating MLB playoff series loss to the divisional rival New York Mets on Wednesday night.
The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets players line up for the national anthem before Game 1 of the 2024 NLDS last week[/caption]
Phillies pitcher Carlos Estevez pitches in the eighth inning versus the Mets during Game 3[/caption]
After the team’s elimination, the Phillies will have major question marks regarding the upcoming free agency.
Philadelphia has numerous players that will hit the open market, including relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.
It’s expected at least one of the pitchers will sign elsewhere, and Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer thinks the Phillies should let Estévez
“It was a good year for the Phillies bullpen, which ultimately ranked sixth in fWAR,” Rymer wrote.
“But with Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez slated for free agency, it’ll take some effort to keep the good times lasting into 2025.
“The Phillies should want Hoffman back, but Estévez should give them pause.
“Though he was effective this year, he didn’t even rise to the level of a strikeout per inning.”
Rymer’s opinion comes after Estévez came on in relief of Hoffman in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
Estévez allowed a grand slam to New York star shortstop Francisco Lindor which proved to be the deciding factor of the contest.
The 31-year-old won’t be cheap this offseason.
Spotrac projects Estévez to receive a three-year, $42 million contract in free agency.
The veteran was traded from the Los Angeles Angels to Philly in July.
In 20 games for the Phillies, Estévez recorded a 2.57 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings.
Last season, in 2023, he made the All-Star team with Los Angeles, notching 31 saves.
New York superstar Francisco Lindor celebrates with teammates after beating the Phillies to advance to the NLCS on Wednesday night[/caption]
As for Hoffman, he threw for 66.1 innings and posted a 2.17 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 68 appearances this year.
Philadelphia is coming off a 95-67 season which saw them win the NL East.
They will soon have to make decisions on the future of their roster which is led by Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, among others.
