Royals Sign Estévez with Third-Year Option

The Kansas City Royals have signed former All-Star closer Carlos Estévez to a two-year contract with a club option, aiming to strengthen their bullpen for the upcoming season. Estévez, who previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies, posted a career-best 2.45 ERA and 26 saves last season. His addition follows a successful 2024 season for the Royals, where they improved significantly, reaching the postseason for the first time since 2015. The deal reportedly includes a third-year option worth $13 million, enhancing the Royals' depth and experience in high-leverage situations. Estévez is expected to join Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey in the bullpen, providing a potent late-inning relief option. Estévez's strong performance in recent years, including his All-Star selection in 2023, positions him as a key figure in the Royals' pitching strategy.