The Royals made several moves last winter and midseason to shore up their bullpen. Kansas City, still looking for bullpen depth, added another potent late-inning arm in Carlos Estevez. Estevez, who notched 57 saves between 2023-24, will reportedly join the Royals on a two-year deal.
A Look at Estevez
It’s been an interesting two seasons for Carlos Estevez. A 2023 AL All-Star, Estevez pitched exceptionally well for Anaheim over the first half of that season. However, it ended horribly for the right-hander, as he gave up 20 runs over 27.1 IP over the second half.
Estevez rebounded with the Angels in 2024, although his strikeout rate plummeted. He managed to get a healthy amount of whiffs and earned 20 saves with the Angels last year.
Philadelphia, looking for an established closer to pair with now-Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman, acquired Estevez in July 2024. The Phillies gave up a considerable amount, in two talented pitchers: Samuel Aldegheri and George Klassen. However, Estevez pitched well, notching six saves and posting a sub-3.00 ERA with Philadelphia.
However, Estevez’s 2024 ended poorly, as he conceded the grand slam hit by Francisco Lindor in Game 4 of the 2024 NLDS, giving the Mets a permament advantage in that series.
Estevez doesn’t get a lot of chases, as the 32-year-old is primarily a strike-thrower who hit the zone nearly 60% of the time — 58.1%, to be exact — in 2024. He’ll use three pitches, a hard fastball that sits in the 96-98 MPH range, coupled with a slider and changeup.
His fastball plays, thanks to above-average IVB (17.1”). That helps with setting up his changeup, which he uses exclusively against left-handed bats, and his slider.
The slider last season was a very interesting pitch. As noted when the Phillies acquired him, Estevez’s slider saw a lot of plate last season, sometimes intentional and sometimes not. It does help that it’s one of the fastest pitches — his 89.4 MPH mean average rated 21st-best among pitchers with 200+ uses — and it has depth.
Additionally, Estevez does have a deceptive delivery. The right-hander throws from a higher arm slot but hides the ball well during its release.
Per MLB.com, Carlos Estevez will sign with the Royals on a two-year deal. A club option for a third season is also reportedly included.
Analysis
Kansas City had trouble piecing together games over the first half of 2024. James McArthur, after a strong September 2023, struggled in his first full season as closer. Left-hander Will Smith didn’t give the team much coverage, nor did Hunter Harvey.
The Royals got much-needed relief when Lucas Erceg, acquired from the A’s, came over. Erceg struck out 31 over 25 frames, walked only three, and notched 11 saves in the regular season. He also recorded three saves in the 2024 MLB Postseason.
With both Erceg and Estevez, the Royals now have two reliable arms who can slide in and take control of the late innings.
At first glance, Estevez would be the early favorite for saves in Kansas City. He’s got considerably more experience as closer, even though his last outing in 2024 wasn’t great at all.
The signing of Estevez continues a pre-Spring Training run on the best relievers available. In the 24 hours before this signing broke, Kirby Yates, Ryne Stanek, and Tommy Kahnle all found homes.