Carlos Estévez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Kansas City Royals will not have "defined" bullpen roles at the start of the season. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro noted that both Carlos Estevez and Lucas Erceg will have opportunities to close at the start of the season. Earlier this week, the Royals signed Estevez to a two-year contract worth $20.2 million. Last season, the 32-year-old tallied 26 saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP across 55 innings. Lucas Erceg operated as the closer down the stretch for Kansas City last season and tallied 14 saves with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. The 29-year-old struck out 72 batters across 61 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their progress during spring training. However, it seems the Royals may opt to use the "hot hand" in the ninth inning, which can hinder both of their fantasy outlooks for the upcoming season.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Kansas City Royals are signing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Estevez has been one of the top relief pitchers on the open market during the offseason and had several suitors. However, the Royals were able to get a deal done. Last season, Estevez opened the 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Angels before being shipped to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline. Across 55 innings, the right-hander posted an impressive 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He tallied 50 punchouts and 26 saves with a strong 5.7% walk rate. However, the 32-year-old generated a hefty 10.1% barrel rate and 42.3% hard-hit rate, both well below the average marks, suggesting he may see some regression in 2025. Fantasy managers should expect Estevez to compete for save opportunities alongside Lucas Erceg in the Kansas City bullpen.

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers are showing interest in free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Earlier in the offseason, the Tigers were interested in several relief pitchers, including Kirby Yates. Petzold noted that six other teams, alongside the Tigers, are pursuing Estevez. The Tigers have also been at the forefront of pursuing third baseman Alex Bregman. Last season, Estevez spent time with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Across 55 frames, he posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.45 WHIP. While he showed strong command with a 5.7% walk rate, his hefty 42.3% hard-hit and 10.1% barrel rates suggest he may face some regression in 2025. If Estevez were to sign in Detroit, he would be deployed as a high-leverage reliever.

According to USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale, the Cincinnati Reds are engaged in talks with free-agent closer Carlos Estevez, who has saved 57 games the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Estevez was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and had a career-high 31 saves that year before combining for 26 saves with the Halos and Phillies in 2024. The Phillies acquired him from the Angels at the trade deadline last summer, and he had a combined 2.45 ERA (3.24 FIP), a 0.91 WHIP and a 50:12 K:BB in his 55 relief innings. In addition to the Reds, the Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, Phillies and Yankees have been linked to the 32-year-old Dominican this offseason. He's one of the top high-leverage relief arms left on the open market, but he could share closing duties with Alexis Diaz if he were to land in Cincinnati.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams pursuing free-agent relief pitcher Carlos Estevez. Morosi noted that following the signings of A.J. Minter and Tanner Scott, the relief pitcher market is heating up. Morosi also reported that the Cubs offered Tanner Scott a four-year deal with $66 million, suggesting they remain focused on bolstering their bullpen. Earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays signed Jeff Hoffman to a three-year deal with $33 million. However, after missing out on several top free agents, they are still looking to further improve their team. Last season, Estevez tallied 26 saves with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP pitching for the Angels and Phillies. He generated a solid 3.19 xERA and a .220 xBA which were both above average but allowed hard contact at a hefty 42.3% rate. Estevez would likely be deployed as a high-leverage option where he signs.