Kansas City Royals might have a Carlos Estevez problem

Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estevez has not looked right since the start of spring training.

A notoriously slow starter in spring training, Estevez struggled to crack the 90 mph barrier after averaging 95.9 mph on his fastball in 2025. The Royals had said all the right things about Estevez as the regular season approached, blaming his decreased velocity on mechanical issues. However, his decreased velocity raised some red flags.

Then Saturday happened. Estevez was tasked with protecting a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth. By the time the dust settled, he had allowed six runs on four hits and two walks, including a walk-off grand slam, while recording just one out.

Kansas City Royals shifting Carlos Estevez's role after implosion

That outing has already prompted changes to the Royals' bullpen plans. Anne Rogers from MLB.com reported that manager Matt Quatraro said that he will likely use Estevez in lower-leverage situations to help build him back up. Estevez, meanwhile, had been in a walking boot Sunday morning due to a bruised left ankle after being struck by a comebacker during his outing on Saturday.

Estevez had been one of the better closers in the game in 2025. He posted a 2.45 ERA and a 1.061 WHiP over his 66 innings, leading the majors with 42 saves while striking out 54 batters. Estevez had been a key part of the Royals' plans as they looked to return to the postseason.

It is possible that moving down the pecking order will get Estevez back on track. He can continue to ramp up in lower-pressure situations with an eye on reclaiming his spot in the ninth inning. If not, the Royals will have an unexpected hole in the back of the bullpen.