Kansas City Royals sign closer Carlos Estévez. He was an MLB All-Star in 2023 | Report

The Kansas City Royals have reportedly added to their bullpen. On Wednesday, the Royals agreed to a free-agent deal with right-handed reliever Carlos Estévez.

Estévez, 32, posted a 2.45 ERA with 26 saves in 2024. He registered a 2.1 WAR (wins above replacement) and 50 strikeouts in 55 innings with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies.

MLB insider Jon Heyman was first to report the news.

The deal is expected to be for two years, $20 million — with a $2 million buyout after two years or $13 million club option for a third year, according to MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand.

This offseason, the Royals searched for veteran relievers help to complement their bullpen. The unit made strides behind relievers Lucas Erceg, Sam Long and John Schreiber among others.

In 2024, the Royals bullpen posted a 4.13 combined ERA. Erceg emerged as the primary closer after being acquired by the Athletics at the trade deadline. He posted 11 saves and 31 strikeouts with the Royals.

Estévez adds another veteran to the mix. He has the ability to operate in high-leverage situations and potentially finish games. The Royals lost left-handed reliever Will Smith to free agency and Estévez can provide valuable experience in the late innings.

KC could choose to feature Estévez in a setup role. He slides into the bullpen as another relief option alongside Long, Schreiber, Angel Zerpa, Chris Stratton and Hunter Harvey.

Both Long and Zerpa are left-handed options. The Royals expect Harvey to be ready for spring training after missing time with mid-back tightness last season.

KC also has starting pitchers Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV and Alec Marsh available to pitch in relief. The trio has relief experience but each is expected to compete for the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation this spring.

Estévez provides quality depth to the bullpen. He began his career with the Colorado Rockies in 2016 and was an All-Star during the 2023 campaign. The Royals will be his fourth team heading into his ninth MLB season.

The Royals will head to spring training in February. Pitchers and catchers report to the club’s spring training complex in Surprise, Arizona on Feb. 12.