PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies acquired closer Carlos Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels for a pair of minor league pitching prospects on Saturday as they strengthen their bullpen for a run at their first World Series championship since 2008.

Estévez has 20 saves in 23 chances this season, a year after he had 31 saves and was an All-Star for the Angels.

The 31-year-old Estévez, a native of the Dominican Republic, originally signed with Colorado in 2011 and made his major league debut in 2016.

He has 76 saves in 418 appearances, all in relief.

“He’s one of the best relievers in baseball this past year,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “He’s a guy that can pitch the ninth inning. How (manager Rob Thomson) determines how he’s going to use him, we’ll see. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets a lot of ninth innings.”

The Phillies lost the World Series in 2022 to Houston and lost in the NL Championship Series a year ago to Arizona. They entered Saturday’s game against Cleveland with the best record in baseball at 64-39 but had lost seven of 10 games.

“We are trying to win,” Dombrowski said. “We think he’s a guy that can be a real significant piece of that.”

Philadelphia sent minor league pitchers George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri to the Angels.

Estévez has a $6.75 million salary in the second season of a $13.5 million, two-year contract and can become a free agent after the World Series.

Estévez was expected to help strengthen a bullpen that lost an arm Friday, after they traded Seranthony Domínguez to Baltimore as part of a trade for outfielder Austin Hays. Thomson had not designated a closer this season as the Phillies became the first team in baseball to win 60 games. Behind left-hander José Alvarado and right-hander Jeff Hoffman

Estévez has 15 strikeouts and two walks over a streak of 18 straight scoreless innings. He set an Angels franchise record when he converted his first 23 save opportunities to begin the 2023 season.

Aldegheri, 22, was 6-7 with a 3.23 ERA in 15 starts between Class A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading this season. He signed by the Phillies on June 13, 2019.

The 22-year-old Klassen was 3-2 with a 1.97 ERA in 14 starts for Class A Clearwater and Jersey Shore this year. He was selected by the Phillies in the sixth round of the 2023 amateur draft and signed for a $297,500 bonus.

“We didn’t want to give them up, but it’s sort of the price of acquisitions at this time,” Dombrowski said.

The Philadelphia Phillies made a significant move to bolster their bullpen by acquiring closer Carlos Estevez in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels. Estevez, a hard-throwing right-hander, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Phillies’ relief corps.

Estevez, 29, has been a reliable closer for the Angels over the past few seasons, racking up saves and strikeouts with his overpowering fastball and devastating slider. In 2021, he posted a 3.54 ERA with 27 saves and 72 strikeouts in 53 innings pitched. His ability to miss bats and induce weak contact makes him a valuable asset at the back end of the bullpen.

The Phillies, who have been searching for a reliable closer to anchor their bullpen, identified Estevez as a top target and were able to strike a deal with the Angels to bring him to Philadelphia. Estevez is expected to slide into the closer role immediately, providing stability and reliability in high-leverage situations.

The addition of Estevez gives the Phillies a formidable bullpen trio with him joining setup man Archie Bradley and left-handed specialist Jose Alvarado. This trio will give manager Joe Girardi multiple options to turn to in late-game situations, providing depth and versatility in the bullpen.

The trade for Estevez also signals the Phillies’ commitment to contending in the highly competitive National League East. With a potent lineup led by Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto, and a solid starting rotation anchored by Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, the addition of Estevez strengthens an already talented roster.

Overall, the acquisition of Carlos Estevez is a significant move for the Philadelphia Phillies as they look to solidify their bullpen and make a push for the postseason. His experience, talent, and track record of success make him a valuable addition to the team, and Phillies fans can look forward to seeing him shut down opposing hitters in the late innings.