The Kansas City Royals have bolstered their bullpen by agreeing to a two-year, $22 million contract with reliever, according to a source familiar with the deal. The agreement, pending a physical, includes a $13 million club option for a third year with a $2 million buyout. To finalize the deal, the Royals will need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster.
He had 32, split last season between the Angels and Phillies, compiling an impressive 2.45 ERA over 54 appearances. Known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations, he recorded 26 saves—20 with the Angels and six with the Phillies—before his season ended with a decisive home run against the Mets in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. A former All-Star with the Angels in 2022, Estévez brings proven experience and late-game reliability to the Royals’ bullpen.
The addition of Estévez complements Kansas City’s existing closer, Lucas Erceg, who was acquired from the Athletics last season. Erceg proved his worth during the Royals’ late-season playoff push, solidifying the bullpen’s back end. Together, Estévez and Erceg create a formidable one-two punch for the later innings, providing manager Matt Quatraro with greater flexibility in high-leverage situations.
The Royals’ bullpen, a bright spot last season, returns key contributors such as Sam Long, Kris Bubic, Angel Zerpa, and John Schreiber. They also anticipate Hunter Harvey’s return to full health after being limited by a back injury following his acquisition at the trade deadline. With several potential starters in Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch IV, and Bubic possibly transitioning to relief roles, the Royals’ pitching depth looks stronger than ever.
Kansas City’s starting rotation, led by All-Stars Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, remains solid with the re-signing of Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen. The competition for the fifth rotation spot could also yield additional bullpen options if Kyle Wright, acquired from the Braves, isn’t ready to start after missing all of last season due to shoulder surgery.
With the addition of Estévez and a deep pitching staff, the Royals are positioning themselves for a competitive 2025 season as they aim to build on their recent bullpen improvements and make a stronger postseason run.