The Royals and the reliever have agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract, giving Kansas City another option for a closer alongside Lucas Erceg, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The agreement includes a $13 million option with a $2 million buyout, according to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the transaction is pending a physical. When that happens, Kansas City will need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for him.
The 32-year-old participated in 54 games for the Angels and Phillies last season, posting a 2.45 ERA. He got 20 saves with the Angels and six with Philadelphia, who won the National League East.
He eventually allowed the winning home run against the Mets in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
Carlos Estévez was an All-Star for the Angels two years ago, going 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 63 games.
The Royals acquired Erceg from the Athletics last year while they were vying for a wild-card place, and he pitched well down the stretch and into the postseason, strengthening what had been a shaky bullpen. Now, the hard-throwing Erceg may pair up with Estévez to provide a potent one-two punch in the late innings of games.
The Royals will have Sam Long, Kris Bubic, Angel Zerpa, and John Schreiber returning from a greatly better bullpen last season.
They also hope to have Hunter Harvey available, who was acquired at the trade deadline but only pitched 5 2/3 innings for them due to a back ailment.
Depending on how things turn out among prospective starters, Kansas City may need even more support from the bullpen.
The Royals have returned All-Stars Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, as well as resigned Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen, who are anticipated to fill the first four places in the rotation. Bubic, Alec Marsh, and Daniel Lynch IV could all battle for the fifth starter spot, or all three could end up in the bullpen if Kyle Wright is well enough to start games this season.
The Royals acquired Wright from the Braves knowing he would miss the entire season recovering from shoulder surgery.
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