Carlos Estevez's Velocity Down in Spring Debut
Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estevez's velocity was "way down" during his Cactus League debut on Tuesday at 86-89 mph, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Rogers says it's "eyebrow-raising" and "something to monitor," but it's also "exactly what came up last year." Estevez typically starts slow in the spring, and the Royals "really rely on how he says he feels." The 33-year-old was an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2025 in his first season with the Royals, posting a 2.45 ERA (3.67 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, a league- and career-high 42 saves, 54 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 66 innings pitched out of the bullpen. His 89.4% team save share was the highest among all relievers in MLB last year. Regression could be coming -- he had a career-low 20.1% strikeout rate in 2025 -- but he'll be KC's primary closer again, making him at least a low-end No. 1 fantasy closer in his second year with the Royals.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
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