Carlos Estévez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez was asked to hold a two-run lead in the final frame against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. Estevez gave up a hit, but didn't have any problems after that as he recorded three strikeouts and notched his fifth save of the season. The right-hander has done a nice job lately and has locked himself in as the primary closer in Kansas City. He already has five saves, so it looks like he's going to be busy at the back-end of the bullpen. Estevez should be rostered in most fantasy formats where saves matter.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez has been busy on the mound early in the season. Estevez was called upon on Thursday to hold a one-run lead against the Minnesota Twins. The right-hander got himself into a jam by allowing a single and hitting Harrison Bader with a pitch. Despite that, Estevez worked around the base runners and secured his fourth save of the season. The veteran right-hander appears to be the primary closer for the Royals right now. That being said, Estevez should be rostered in most fantasy formats where saves matter.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez was ready to redeem himself after struggling on the mound during his last outing. Estevez was called upon to hold a three-run lead against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The 32-year-old didn't have any issues as he tossed a scoreless inning with one strikeout to secure his second save of the season. It appears that Estevez is going to be the primary option for saves this season. However, Lucas Erceg could be a candidate as well if Estevez finds himself in trouble at some point. For now, Estevez should be a viable option for saves in fantasy formats where that matters.

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (back) made his Cactus League debut on Friday against the Los Angles Angels and said he felt great afterwards. Estevez gave up an unearned run and two hits while throwing 12 of his 19 pitches for strikes in an inning of work. "I feel great," Estvez said. "Everything is going well with my body, and I'm in a good spot. The 32-year-old veteran was delayed getting into games after experiencing mild back tightness in the early portion of camp. After signing a two-year, $22.2 million deal with KC in the offseason, Estevez figures to be their primary choice for saves, although Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey could also be involved. As long as his back doesn't flare up on him Estevez is expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 27. Fantasy managers should consider him a No. 2 closer option heading into his first year with the Royals.

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (back) threw a live batting practice session in camp on Tuesday, and manager Matt Quatraro said it went "really well." As a result, Estevez is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Friday against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. The 32-year-old veteran has been battling lower-back tightness in spring training but appears to have put it past him as he tries to get ready for Opening Day in his first year with the Royals. He is running out of time to ramp up with only two weeks until the start of the 2025 regular season, but as long as Estevez doesn't have a setback with his back as he gets into games, he should be able to avoid starting the year on the injured list. Because of his (82 career saves in eight MLB seasons) and his strong year in 2024, he should be the favorite to close for the Royals, although Lucas Erceg could have something to say about that.