2) Carlos Estevez
The Mets recently added some late-inning bullpen help in the form of A.J. Minter, giving them a strong left-handed set-up man option. But they could still use some support with a right-handed set-up option to deliver the 9th inning to all-star closer Edwin Diaz. One of the best options that hasn’t gotten picked up yet is Carlos Estevez.
Estevez had a career year in 2024. He pitched 55 innings for the LA Angels and division rival Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, working to a 2.45 ERA, 3.24 FIP, and 0.91 WHIP, all three of which were career bests. Estevez had an above average 23.6% K%, but more impressively, had just a 5.7% walk rate, another career-low. His 0.82 HR/9 rate is yet another number he set a career-best in.
Estevez also had some career lows in statistics like xFIP (4.09), SIERA (3.57), and xERA (3.01). Although Estevez was not home run prone, he had some below-average batted ball numbers. His 90.3 MPH exit velocity was not out of the ordinary for him, with a 90 MPH mark for his entire career, but his 10.1% barrel rate is the second worst of his career. His .229 batting average on balls in play indicates some luck played a role in his success. Estevez has a career BABIP of .309.
Still, Estevez put up career bests in nearly every other statistic. Stuff+ also loved his ability with a 112 mark. A trio of Minter, Estevez, and Diaz could be one of the more underrated late-inning groups in baseball. It would undoubtedly help the Mets win a lot more games that are late and close.