The Angels Continue To Focus On Pitching Depth

The Los Angeles Angels have understood they need to invest to enhance their chances of contending in what is shaping up to be Shohei Ohtani‘s last season there.

They want to maximize their contention window, if they even have one because they haven’t made the playoffs since 2014.

To do that, they need to strengthen their pitching staff.

They had brought in starter Tyler Anderson on a three-year deal a couple of weeks ago.

Now, they are focusing on the relief corps, as they should.

“Free-agent reliever Carlos Estevez in agreement with the Angels, source tells @TheAthletic,” insider Ken Rosenthal tweeted.

Free-agent reliever Carlos Estevez in agreement with the Angels, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2022

Estevez might now wow anyone with his career 4.59 ERA, but we will have to take a closer look at his splits to understand why the Angels are making this move.

His ERA at Coors Field (a notorious hitters park) is a horrid 5.57.

When he is pitching on the road, however, the number is a much better 3.51.

There you have it.

He Had A Good 2022 And Could Thrive Away From Coors

He was also good in 2022 as a whole, with a 3.47 ERA in 57 innings.

He struck out 54 hitters, too.

Estevez is probably not closer material, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a sneaky good addition to the Angels bullpen.

He has the potential to break out while getting away from Coors Field.

The two-year deal he signed will pay him $13.5 million and will cover the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The Angels hope he can stay healthy and pump those high-90s fastballs he became famous for in Colorado.

He has the potential to be a helpful signing as the Angels try to return to the playoffs in 2023.

It’s not an overly impactful move, but it’s a step in the right direction.