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Carlos Estevez 2025 Fantasy Baseball Outlook: Veteran Reliever Set To Take Closer Role In New Home
5 mins agoLast year, Carlos Estevez had his best season in the Majors. He wound up getting a two-year, $22.2 million contract from the Royals. With that kind of outlay, Estevez looks like being the closer in Kansas City. After recording 31 saves for the Angels in 2023, Estevez tallied 20 saves in 2024 before being traded to the Phillies. In Philadelphia, Estevez shared closer responsibilities but still recorded another six saves with a solid ERA. On the season, Estevez had a 4-5 W-L record, 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 50 Ks, and 26 saves (55.0 IP). There are some minor concerns, however. Estevez's 23.6% K% was way down from his 27.8% K% in 2023. Although he did drastically cut down on the walks, with a 5.7% BB% (11.0% BB% in 2023). The biggest concern is Estevez's 4.09 xFIP and 3.57 SIERA, he was a beneficiary of good fortune last year. Another sub-3.00 ERA is unlikely. The one thing Estevez has going for him is closer experience. Given how much the Royals are paying Estevez, he should begin the 2025 season as the Royals' closer. Providing he doesn't struggle out of the gate, another 25+ save season could be in order.
