As Schoenfield notes, Estevez would likely not be the closer with the Mets. They already have Diaz at the back end of their bullpen, but a two-headed monster featuring him and Estevez would give teams fits at the end of games and make the Mets' bullpen quite stout.

Right-hander Carlos Estevez remains a free agent after a strong 2024 season. Philadelphia already lost Jeff Hoffman to the Toronto Blue Jays, but David Schoenfield of ESPN believes that a reunion with the All-Star closer could still be on the table.

Estévez heads to a Kansas City team that had been looking to shore up the bullpen heading into the 2025 season. The Royals had turned to Lucas Erceg down the stretch to serve as the closer and bringing in Estévez helps give them more options.

Aside from Minter, the Mets are set to enter spring training with Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, Dedniel Nunez, Jose Butto (provided he is not considered for starting duty) and Sean Reid-Foley as the top returning relief options. Huascar Brazoban and lefty Danny Young are others returning who could compete for jobs.

MLB free agency has already seen multiple star players switch teams. Headlined by Juan Soto 's decision to sign a record 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, this MLB offseason has been a busy one.

All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman left in free agency, agreeing to a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. He wasn’t the only key bullpen arm to hit the market, as Carlos Estevez, whom they acquired from the Los Angeles Angels ahead of the trade deadline last July, was also a free agent.

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Edmundo Sosa (33) runs to first base on a single against the New York Mets during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball playoff series against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Somewhat quietly, the Dodgers have become a powerhouse. The defending World Series champions will be even better in 2025 and that's bad news for the rest of baseball, particularly for NL contenders like the Phillies who have been trying to get over the hump for a few years now.

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner admitted that "it's difficult" for MLB team owners to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers' spending, but also believes his team is better than it was at this time last year.

For Phillies fans without season tickets, single game tickets go on sale Thursday morning. See how to get them and special promotions for this season.

The New York Mets have made several additions to their 2025 starting rotation. Could they be eyeing one more big splash by trading for Luis Castillo?