Royals’ Carlos Estévez felt ‘justified’ after receiving 2025 All-Star nomination
Carlos Estévez didn’t know where he would sign this offseason. In February, he weighed a few offers as the days counted down toward spring training.
The Kansas City Royals, who struck out looking to add a veteran outfielder, decided to reverse course and explore the reliever market.
The decision worked out for both sides. Estévez signed a two-year deal worth $20 million with a club option. He became the Royals’ closer and added a veteran presence to a bullpen filled with young relievers.
Estévez has been a seamless fit. He currently leads the American League with 25 saves in 39 appearances. He owns a 2.03 ERA across 40 innings while registering a 1.5 WAR (wins above replacement).
Those were certainly All-Star numbers. However, Estévez found himself on the outside looking in ahead of the 95th Midsummer Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Estévez felt it was slightly unfair to not be in consideration. On Friday, those concerns were rectified as he was named to his second All-Star Game.
“It’s really special man,” Estévez said. “I said it before, every time you get the chance to be on that experience, you know, it’s just amazing. I really like it and I’m really excited. … When it happened, I’m like OK, some justice. I like that.”
Estévez replaced Texas Rangers star Jacob deGrom on the American League team. He will make his second All-Star appearance; his first came as a member of the Los Angeles Angels in 2023.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro delivered the news on Thursday. He called Estévez while he was running errands with his wife. As he looked at the caller ID, Estévez had an inkling he could be a potential All-Star.
“She heard everything and she was the first one (that found out),” Estévez said. “And then I called my parents.”
Estévez will join teammates Bobby Witt Jr., Kris Bubic and Maikel Garcia during the All-Star Game festivities. Garcia was also named an injury replacement Friday after being listed as a potential snub.
Witt and Bubic were named All-Star reserves last Sunday.
“That’s pretty cool man,” Estévez said. “Those guys man, two first timers, this is going to be really special for everyone. But I think for them, it’s going to be a little bit more eye-opening and fun.”
Estévez hopes his All-Star appearance will inspire his younger teammates. He has been a vocal mentor for Royals relievers Steven Cruz and Angel Zerpa. Both have shown vast development this season with additional opportunities.
“He is a good teammate and he helps somebody every time,” Zerpa said. “He told me about my secondary pitches and everything like that.”
Estévez is the first Royals reliever to make the All-Star game since 2016. That season, Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera garnered All-Star bids.
It’s possible that Estévez solidifies himself among the franchise greats. He is currently chasing the club record of 47 saves set by Greg Holland in 2013. Earlier this season, he notched his 100th career save against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“It doesn’t always work on our timetable ...” Quatraro said. “We know that with anything in life. But this worked out for them and I think that’ll help propel them going into the second half as well.”
Estévez looks forward to it, while the Royals try to make another run toward the postseason. His All-Star nomination meant so much as he got to share it with teammates and family.
“I think if I can keep doing and leading by example for the rest of my career,” Estévez said, “it will be amazing.”
