Carlos Estévez Finalizes Two Year, $22 Million Deal with Kansas City Royals
Carlos Estévez, one of the most promising relief pitchers, has officially joined the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen on Friday, finalizing a two-year, $22 million contract. This deal not only marks a significant career move for Estévez but also brings hope to the Royals for the upcoming season.
Estévez’s contract with the Royals includes a club option for 2027, signalling the team’s long-term investment in the pitcher. With a salary of $22 million over two years, the Royals expect Estévez to bring stability and strength to their pitching staff.
To make room for Estévez on the 40-man roster, infielder Braden Shewmake has been designated for assignment. This was a tough but necessary decision to ensure the Royals have the best lineup heading into the next season.
Estévez’s Performance Last Season
Carlos Estévez, 32, had a standout season while playing for the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies. He recorded a 4-5 record with a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves in 54 appearances. These stats highlight his ability to contribute effectively and maintain solid performance in crucial moments. After being traded to Philadelphia in July, Estévez quickly proved his worth, helping the Phillies secure the NL East title. This transition demonstrated his adaptability to new environments and his ability to perform under pressure in the major leagues.
Memorable Playoff Moment
Despite his successes, Estévez also faced challenges. In Game 4 of the National League Division Series, he surrendered a game-deciding grand slam to Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets. This moment became a defining point in his journey, illustrating the intense competition at the professional level.
Previous Success with the Los Angeles Angels
Before joining the Phillies, Estévez had an impressive season with the Angels, serving as a key bullpen asset. He posted a 5-5 record with a 3.90 ERA over 63 appearances, demonstrating his reliability and ability to make a positive impact in the pitching rotation.
Braden Shewmake: A Promising Talent
Braden Shewmake, who was designated for assignment to make space for Estévez, is a former first-round draft pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 2019 MLB Draft. However, his performance in the major leagues has not lived up to expectations, with a batting average of just.118 . Although Shewmake possesses potential, his offensive numbers remain underwhelming, recording only one home run and four RBIs across 31 professional games. The Royals’ decision to designate him for assignment may provide him with an opportunity to reset his career in a different environment.
Royals’ Future with Estévez
By adding Carlos Estévez, the Kansas City Royals aim to make a significant improvement to their bullpen. Estévez not only brings experience but also has the ability to deliver crucial saves throughout the season. The Royals are hopeful that he will play a vital role in their long-term strategy.
Impact of Estévez on the Royals’ Roster
Estévez’s arrival is expected to increase competition among the Royals’ pitchers, helping the team build a more formidable bullpen. His presence could be a game-changer in securing crucial victories for the team in the upcoming season.
A Major Step for Estévez and the Royals
The signing of Carlos Estévez by the Kansas City Royals marks an important milestone in his career and represents a strategic move for the franchise. With his experience and impressive skill set, Estévez is not just a valuable addition to the pitching staff but also a source of motivation for the entire team. Fans eagerly anticipate the new season, hopeful for brighter prospects with Estévez in the lineup.
