The Kansas City Royals completed their first major free-agent signing to fortify their bullpen. According to sources, right-handed closer Carlos Estevez and the Royals have agreed on a two-year contract with a club option.
MLB News: Royals Sign Closer Carlos Estevez
This is the latest addition to the Royals bullpen, which has undergone substantial alterations since last year’s trade deadline. The deadline acquisitions, Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey, will now be joined by an All-Star closer.
Many people assumed Erceg would stay as the closer after his impressive finish to the season. He will most certainly lose his job to Estevez, who is coming off one of his best seasons yet.
Estevez played the first six seasons of his career with the Rockies before signing a two-year, $13.5 million contract with the Angels prior to the 2023 season. During the 2024 trade deadline, he was traded to the Phillies. Between Los Angeles and Philadelphia, Estevez tossed 117 1/3 innings with a 3.22 ERA, 26% strikeout rate, and 8.7% walk rate, while recording 57 saves. Last year, his ERA was 2.45, which was his personal best.
At the same time, some people are concerned about how Estevez completed the season in Philadelphia. Estevez began Game 4 of the NLDS against the Mets with a lead, but the Phillies lost the game when Francisco Lindor hit a grand slam. Philadelphia wasn’t satisfied with his performance and replaced him with Jordan Romano in free agency.
Despite his failure on the big stage, Estevez was one of the best bullpen pitchers in the business. He has not been on the injured list since 2022, and he has had no severe elbow or shoulder issues in recent years. He is at the peak of his career and will undoubtedly be an asset to the Royals club as they look to advance in 2025.
