Even by Dave Dombrowski’s standards, this trade might sting Philadelphia Phillies fans for quite some time.
On July 27, 2024, just days before the trade deadline, the Phillies traded two minor league pitchers—left-hander Sam Aldegheri (ranked as Philadelphia’s No. 24 prospect for 2024) and right-hander George Klassen (No. 29)—to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for closer Carlos Estevez. Many industry insiders felt the Phillies gave up too much for a reliever who was only in his second year as a full-time closer. However, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic pointed out, this approach is typical of Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations.
“Dombrowski goes after the best major league players. If acquiring them means giving up valuable prospects, he’s willing to do it,” Rosenthal explained.
“‘Every seller in America wants to deal with Dave,’ said one rival executive, speaking anonymously to share their honest opinion.”
Carlos Estevez Trade Included George Klassen, Angels’ ‘Most Pleasant Surprise’
Estevez delivered solid performances for the Phillies. Over 20 games and 21 innings in the remainder of the regular season, he recorded a 3-2 record with a 2.57 ERA, notching six saves out of eight chances, striking out 18 batters and issuing seven walks. In the postseason, he appeared in three games, giving up two hits and two runs (only one earned) across 2.2 innings.
Afterward, Estevez signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals, where he currently boasts a 1.96 ERA and has converted 14 saves in 16 opportunities.
On the other side of the trade, Aldegheri, ranked as the Angels’ No. 5 prospect, has struggled somewhat at Double-A Rocket City, posting a 4.81 ERA across eight starts, surrendering 42 hits and 25 walks in 43 innings, resulting in a WHIP of 1.56.
However, Klassen might be the Phillies’ biggest missed opportunity from the trade.
In a May 21 article reviewing “Each club’s most pleasant prospect surprise,” MLB.com writers Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis, and Sam Dykstra singled out Klassen, the Phillies’ No. 3 prospect, especially praising his improved control.
They noted, “The right-hander surprised many last year when he emerged with the Phillies before being traded to the Angels near the deadline, finishing with a 3.10 ERA, a 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings rate, and a .195 batting average against. What’s been exciting this year as he settles into Double-A is his ability to consistently find the strike zone. Klassen walked 8.5 batters per nine innings in college, 4.5 per nine in 2024, and has reduced that to 2.2 this year, while still maintaining strong strikeout numbers.”
George Klassen Making Strong Case for Inclusion in Top-100 Prospects List
The 23-year-old Klassen is currently sidelined with a concussion after being hit in the head by a line drive during his start on May 11. Despite the injury, Geoff Pontes from Baseball America recently noted that Klassen was building a strong case to be ranked among the top 100 prospects before getting hurt.
Pontes explained, “Across seven starts, Klassen has posted a 4.97 ERA, but his underlying metrics tell a better story, with a 3.08 FIP and 2.58 xFIP. His pitching arsenal is impressive, featuring a fastball that averages 96-97 mph and can reach up to 99 mph. Although the fastball lacks significant ride, its 14 inches of average armside run compensates for the absence of classic four-seam movement.
“His main secondary pitch is a low-90s gyro slider, which has produced a 45% whiff rate in 2025. He also throws a mid-80s curveball with a slurvy shape, primarily used against left-handed hitters.
“Overall, Klassen combines elite stuff with improving command, making him one of the more exciting prospects just outside the Top 100.”
This potential only adds to Phillies fans’ anxiety at the thought of seeing Klassen excel while wearing another team’s jersey.
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