Royals Sign All-Star Pitcher in First Big Free Agent Addition

The Kansas City Royals made their first big signing of free agency to strengthen their bullpen. According to reports, right-handed closer Carlos Estevez and the Royals agreed on a two-year deal with a club option.

MLB News: Royals Sign Closer Carlos Estevez

This is the latest move to a Royals bullpen that went through significant changes since last year's trade deadline. The additions at the deadline, Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey will now be joined by an All-Star closer.

Many had assumed Erceg would remain as the closer after his strong end to the season. He will now likely lose the job to Estevez, who is coming off one of his best seasons yet.

Estevez spent the first six seasons of his career with the Rockies before signing a two-year, $13.5 million deal with the Angels before the 2023 season. During the 2024 trade deadline, he was dealt to the Phillies. Between his time in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, Estevez threw 117 1/3 innings with a 3.22 ERA, 26% strikeout rate, and 8.7% walk rate while racking up 57 saves. His 2.45 ERA last year was his personal best.

At the same time, there are some concerns about how Estevez finished the season in Philadelphia. In Game 4 of the NLDS against the Mets, Estevez entered the game with a lead but surrendered a grand slam to Francisco Lindor to lose the game for the Phillies. Philadelphia wasn't particularly impressed with his showing there and replaced him with Jordan Romano in free agency.

Despite his failure on the big stage, Estevez was one of the best relief pitchers on the market. He hasn't been on the injured list since 2022 and hasn't had any major elbow or shoulder concerns in recent years. He is playing near the top of his form and will surely be a good addition to the Royals team looking to take the next step in 2025.

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