Carlos Estévez Signs with Royals: Bolstering Kansas City’s Bullpen with All-Star Reliever

Carlos Estévez, a top closer, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals. Estévez, 32, comes from a strong 2024 season with the Angels and Phillies, boasting a 2.45 ERA and 31 saves. He will join a revamped Royals bullpen aiming to make a postseason push.

Carlos Estévez, a highly regarded relief pitcher, has made a significant move in the MLB offseason by signing a two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. This deal, which includes a club option for 2027, marks a new chapter in Estévez’s career after his brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Estévez’s 2024 season was arguably his best yet, with a career-low 2.45 ERA across 54 appearances between the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. He saved 26 games in 31 chances, showcasing his reliability as a closer. Despite a high-profile failure in the NLDS against the New York Mets, where he allowed a grand slam, Estévez’s overall performance has earned him an All-Star selection in 2023.
The Royals, who went 86-76 in 2024 and reached the postseason for the first time since 2015, are bolstering their bullpen with Estévez. He will join Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey in the late innings, forming a strong setup and closer combination. Manager Matt Quatraro can now align his relievers with confidence, aiming to make a deeper postseason run.
Estévez’s signing is a strategic move by the Royals to strengthen their bullpen and compete in the competitive American League Central division. With his experience and performance, he is poised to be a key factor in the team’s success in the coming seasons.

1. What is Carlos Estévez’s background?
   Carlos Estévez is a right-handed relief pitcher who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Colorado Rockies. He then signed a two-year, \$13.5MM deal with the Angels in 2023 and was traded to the Phillies at the 2024 deadline5.
2. What were Estévez’s key statistics in 2024?
   In 2024, Estévez posted a 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts against eight unintentional walks in 55 innings. He saved 26 games in 31 chances1.

3. Why did Estévez leave the Phillies?
   Estévez left the Phillies after a brief tenure, which included a disappointing finish to the season. He allowed a grand slam to Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the NLDS, contributing to the Phillies’ elimination4.

4. What role will Estévez play for the Royals?
   Estévez will likely take over as the Royals’ closer, pairing up with setup men Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey in the late innings3.

5. What are the financial terms of Estévez’s deal with the Royals?
   The financial terms of Estévez’s two-year deal with the Royals are not yet publicly known, but it includes a club option for 20273.

Carlos Estévez’s signing with the Kansas City Royals marks a significant addition to their bullpen, bringing in a reliable closer with a strong track record. His experience and performance make him a key factor in the team’s postseason aspirations, and his signing is a strategic move to strengthen the Royals’ lineup.