Carlos Estévez joined the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen on Friday, finalizing a two-year contract worth $22 million.
The deal includes an option for the team to keep him in 2027. To make space for Estévez on the team’s 40-man roster, infielder Braden Shewmake was designated for assignment.
Estévez, 32, played for the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia last season. He had a 4-5 record with a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves in 54 appearances. He was traded to the Phillies in July.
Estévez helped the Phillies win the NL East, but he allowed Francisco Lindor’s key grand slam for the Mets in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
Two years ago, Estévez was an All-Star with the Angels, finishing with a 5-5 record and a 3.90 ERA in 63 appearances.
Shewmake was claimed off waivers from the White Sox on January 8. He was a first-round pick by the Braves in the 2019 amateur draft but has struggled in the majors, hitting .118 with one home run and four RBIs in 31 games.
