Carlos Estevez reached a big personal milestone in his second season with the Kansas City Royals.
The Kansas City Royals bullpen has been lackluster all season long, and one of the major reasons why is what they have gotten from Carlos Estevez. Last year, in the first season of his two-year, $22 million deal, Estevez was lights out.
He led all of MLB in saves with 42 and posted a 2.45 ERA, marking the second straight season he finished with an ERA below 3.00. It looked like a tremendous signing from Kansas City, especially considering his deal included a team option that could extend his stay through 2027.
However, the odds of that option being picked up have dropped drastically since then.
2026 has been a disaster for Estevez, and most of it comes down to injury luck. His first and only appearance of the season, all the way back in March, saw him collect just one out while allowing six runs to cross in a loss to the Atlanta Braves.
That outing led to him being struck in the left foot by a comebacker, landing him on the injured list with a left foot contusion. While on a rehab assignment in early May, he felt right shoulder soreness and was subsequently diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain.
He has received injections but has dealt with multiple setbacks in his throwing program since then, though he is still attempting to return to the big leagues before the season ends.
Even while battling back, Estevez is not technically on the Royals' 40-man roster, but on Friday he accomplished a big personal milestone, reaching 10 years of MLB service time.
"Sending our congratulations to Carlos Estévez as he reaches 10 years of MLB service time today!" the Royals wrote on X.
Ten years of service time is a rare accomplishment that speaks to the longevity and consistency Estevez has shown throughout his career. Aside from the Royals, Estevez has suited up for the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies.
While Kansas City celebrated the milestone, it is fair to wonder how much time he has left in the game. Even before the injuries this year, his velocity had been trending downward, suggesting his arm may be fading.
The Royals face a tough decision on his team option heading into the offseason. Picking it up carries real risk given their limited payroll flexibility and their desire to contend in 2027. But walking away from a proven closer entirely also carries consequences for a bullpen that desperately needs reliable arms.
