Phillies Lose Star Closer as Estevez Signs with Royals in Free Agency
The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen continues to undergo major changes this offseason, with another key departure shaking up their roster. All-Star closer Carlos Estévez has officially agreed to a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals, further transforming Philly’s pitching staff.
Estévez, 32, was one of the most sought-after relief pitchers on the free agent market after an impressive 2024 season, where he notched 26 saves while splitting time between the Phillies and Los Angeles Angels. Now, he’s returning to the American League to join a Royals squad that made a surprising run to the AL Division Series last season.
Contract Details & Market Interest
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Estévez’s contract spans two years, with a team option for 2027. Jon Heyman of The New York Post was the first to report the agreement, though financial terms remain undisclosed.
Heyman previously noted that at least six teams were eyeing the right-hander, who earned his first All-Star nod in 2023 with the Angels. Estévez initially signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract with Los Angeles in December 2022—a bargain compared to the lucrative deal he’s expected to command this time around, given his proven ability to close games under playoff pressure.
Phillies’ Bullpen Overhaul
Philadelphia was already unlikely to retain both Estévez and fellow closer Jeff Hoffman. Now, they’ve lost both, as Hoffman recently signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Estévez, who turned 32 in December, has built a solid career since debuting with the Colorado Rockies in 2016. Across 438 MLB appearances, he holds a 27-31 record and established himself as a premier closer in Los Angeles, racking up 51 saves in 98 appearances for the Angels between 2022 and 2023.
Phillies’ Closer Replacement & Royals’ Bullpen Outlook
With Estévez gone, Philadelphia will likely turn to newly signed Jordan Romano, the former Blue Jays closer, to fill the role. Romano, who was non-tendered by Toronto in November, inked a one-year deal with the Phillies in December.
Meanwhile, Estévez will take over as Kansas City’s go-to closer, a role the Royals lacked in 2024. Their bullpen—featuring right-handers Lucas Erceg, Hunter Harvey, John Schreiber, and Chris Stratton—had an inconsistent season, posting a 4.13 ERA (20th in MLB). Strong starting pitching helped the Royals finish 60-50 with a 3.55 ERA, but their bullpen struggled to lock down wins.
Now, with Estévez leading the charge, Kansas City hopes to solidify its relief corps and build on its surprising postseason push from last year.
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