Angels acquire a pair of top pitching prospects for Estévez

ANAHEIM -- The Angels made their first move as sellers ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. PT Trade Deadline, acquiring pitching prospects Samuel Aldegheri and George Klassen from the Phillies for closer Carlos Estévez on Saturday before falling 3-1 to the Athletics at Angel Stadium.

It’s considered quite a haul for the Angels, who immediately boost their farm system by adding Aldegheri (the Phillies’ No. 23 prospect) and Klassen (No. 28 prospect). Both are amid breakout seasons and were set to move up in the mid-year prospect rankings by MLB Pipeline. Klassen, who became the Angels’ No. 3 prospect, was going to be Philadelphia's No. 7 prospect, while Aldegheri, now ranked No. 8 among Angels prospects, was to be ranked No. 12.

TRADE DETAILS
Angels receive: LHP Samuel Aldegheri (Phillies’ No. 23 prospect) and RHP George Klassen (Phillies' No. 28 prospect)
Phillies receive: RHP Carlos Estévez

Angels manager Ron Washington noted that it was tough to lose a clubhouse leader and lockdown closer but believes the move will benefit both organizations.

“Once he put it together, he sustained it, which is what we are trying to do as a group,” Washington said. “But I’m happy he goes to a place where he can win a World Series.”

Klassen, 22, has posted a 1.97 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 21 walks in 59 1/3 innings across Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore. He has a big arm that can reach triple-digits on the radar gun and averages roughly 97 mph on his fastball. The 22-year-old pairs it with an 82-86 mph curve and a sharper 83-88 mph slider, while he also throws an occasional changeup.

There were concerns about him sticking as a starter after he was taken out of the University of Minnesota in the sixth round of the 2023 Draft. Klassen missed the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and returned to the mound last year but struggled with his control in his final season with the Gophers. But the 6-foot-2, 170-pounder has learned to harness and command his stuff much better this year and he's proving he can remain effective as a starter. He dealt with a minor shoulder injury earlier in the year but has returned without issues.

Aldegheri, 22, is a rare European prospect who signed out of Verona, Italy, for $210,000 in July 2019. He missed most of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury but has been healthy and effective the last two seasons. This year, he's posted a 3.23 ERA, struck out 109 and walked 32 in 78 innings across High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading.

The 6-foot-1 lefty doesn't have the plus stuff that Klassen possesses, but his fastball touches 95 mph. He also has a slider in the low 80s and a curveball in the high 70s. He added a changeup to his arsenal and is working to cut down on his walk rate.

The Angels had to part with Estévez to get both pitchers, but Estévez is set to be a free agent after the season. He inked a two-year deal worth $13.5 million before last year. The 31-year-old has been impressive this season, posting a 2.38 ERA with 20 saves, 32 strikeouts and five walks in 34 innings. He’s been on a roll over the last two months, turning in 18 straight scoreless innings dating back to May 28. He's allowed just five baserunners in 18 innings over that stretch while racking up 13 saves.

“It’s a lot of change leaving a group that is really familiar and just a really good group,” said Estévez, an All-Star in 2023. “But I'm glad that if I'm going to another place it's a place where I can get a shot to win a ring.”

With Estévez out of the mix, the Angels must settle on a new closer. Veteran right-hander Luis García, who is also a trade candidate, figures to be an option in the short-term while fellow veteran right-hander Hunter Strickland also has experience as a closer. Flamethrowing rookie Ben Joyce, who has thrown 17 1/3 scoreless innings over his last 15 appearances, appears to be the franchise’s closer of the future.

Estévez said he talked with Joyce before Saturday’s game and gave him some advice.

“I told him right now you don't need to change anything,” Estévez said. “You might get to close some games. We'll see. But don't change anything. You need to know and understand that you're nasty. You don't need to do anything different.”