Angels acquire RHP George Klassen and LHP Samuel Aldegheri from Philadelphia

ANAHEIM – The Angels today acquired RHP George Klassen and LHP Samuel Aldegheri from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for RHP Carlos Estévez.

Klassen, 22, was rated by Baseball America as the Phillies #5 prospect (#2 pitching prospect) entering the 2024 season. He has made 14 starts in 2024 with Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore, going 3-2 with a 1.97 ERA (59.1 IP – 13 ER) and 89 strikeouts. He began the year with Single-A Clearwater and posted a 0.71 ERA (38.0 IP – 3 ER) with 57 strikeouts with the Threshers before being promoted. Since joining the High-A BlueClaws, Klassen has logged a 4.64 ERA (21.1 IP – 10 ER) in five starts and recorded 32 strikeouts to nine walks. Klassen has tallied at least seven strikeouts in eight of 14 starts in the minors this season, and was named Florida State League Pitcher of the Month in April. He was also named South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the week of June 23, following a start against the Brooklyn Cyclones in which he earned the win after pitching five hitless innings and notching eight strikeouts.

A native of West Bend, Wisconsin, Klassen was originally selected by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft.

Aldegheri, 22, entered 2024 ranked by Baseball America as Philadelphia’s #7 overall prospect and top rated left-handed pitching prospect. He has made 15 starts with High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading this season, compiling a 6-7 record and 3.23 ERA (78.0 IP – 28 ER) with 109 strikeouts to 32 walks. Aldegheri started the season with High-A Jersey Shore, and posted a 6-5 record and 3.18 ERA (68.0 IP – 24 ER) with 95 strikeouts before being called up to Double-A Reading. In two starts with the Fightin Phils, Aldegheri posted a 3.60 ERA (10.0 IP – 4 ER) with 14 strikeouts. He was named the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the week of June 16 after pitching six shutout innings and allowing two hits with nine strikeouts in a win against Wilmington.

Born in Verona, Italy, Aldegheri began his professional career in the Italian Serie A1. He signed with the Phillies as an international free agent on July 2, 2019.

Estévez, 31, played in 97 games across two seasons with the Angels and posted a 6-8 record and 3.36 ERA (96.1 IP – 36 ER) with 51 saves and 110 strikeouts. Estévez was named an American League All-Star with the Angels in 2023.