Why Carlos Estevez Shouldn't Be Counted Out Just Yet

In an Unforgiving League, Patience is a Virtue

Baseball, like life, often teaches us that the best things rarely come easy. This couldn't be more true for fantasy baseball managers grappling with the rocky debut of Kansas City's closer Carlos Estevez. After ending last season as the league-leader in saves, Estevez's opening weekend left many in a panic. A sluggish performance saw him plunge down the roster charts in record time. I think it's time for fantasy owners to take a step back and evaluate: Is it too soon to write him off?

Last Season's Hero

Estevez's 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable. The 33-year-old right-handed pitcher achieved a 2.45 ERA, paired with a 1.06 WHIP and an impressive 42 saves as the Royals' primary closer. Those numbers should speak volumes to fantasy managers evaluating his worth. In fact, by securing the most saves last season, he demonstrated a resilience that can't be overlooked.

“In the realm of sports, the journey of an athlete is often marred with ups and downs; successful comebacks tend to reveal their true strength.”

A Rocky Start

The troubling news erupted when Estevez's fastball velocity dropped significantly during spring. This season opener against the Atlanta Braves was a perfect storm of factors leading to a catastrophic outing—a mere one-third of an inning pitched, yielding six earned runs and culminating in a catastrophic 162.00 ERA. For any manager, these numbers are alarming and may seem like an eviction notice from an already crowded closer landscape.

The immediate knee-jerk reaction from fantasy managers was to cut ties with Estevez, but I'm urging caution. Last season's achievements shouldn't be erased on the strength of one bad game. Remember, professional athletes are used to grinding through challenges. And let's face it, if every player who underperformed in their first outing were tossed aside, we'd have empty rosters immediately!

Closer Chaos in Kansas City

The question everyone wants the answer to is: Who will come out on top in Kansas City's saves race this season? With Estevez's current struggles, the attention naturally shifts to key backup Lucas Erceg and veteran John Schreiber. Erceg recently stepped into the role, successfully closing a game and looking promising. However, it's essential to remember that *competition in the bullpen is not new*. Estevez has fought through tough times before, as his track record clearly illustrates.

This debate circles back to the larger picture: why did the Royals trust Estevez as the primary closer last season? It comes down to performance under pressure and a calculated play that pays off in the long run. Consistency over time is what allows a team to settle on a singular closing option.

Why Sticking with Estevez Makes Sense

While the findings from early projections may seem dire, I remain convinced that it's an impulsive choice to drop Estevez too soon. In deeper leagues particularly, decisions have significant implications should the wind shift direction. Estevez averages 91.3 mph with his fastball, which gives hope for a rebound, and we must remember that area in which he thrives—the spacious Kansas City Kauffman Stadium—plays into the favor of fly ball pitchers.

In simpler terms, fantasy managers must be mindful of the ebb and flow of an MLB season. Estevez is a fighter, one who can bounce back from such setbacks with enough time. Understand that snapping him up off the waiver wire could cost you should he regain his form. It's not about emotion; it's about strategic foresight.

Bigger Picture Considerations

Ultimately, a bad week shouldn't equate to the end of a promising tenure. The nature of sports, especially in the MLB, is one of uncertainty and fluctuation. Estevez's potential to reclaim the closer role hinges entirely on his ability to adapt and adjust following this early-season hiccup. As managers, we can watch closely but must also hold steadfast to the players who have previously shown us their mettle.

In upcoming weeks, I anticipate a revival and hope to see Estevez turn the corner. So, don't race for the door just yet; remember that the game of baseball has long been about perseverance. For fantasy managers, this very quality in players is not just valuable; it's essential.

Conclusion: Patience Rewarded

As we navigate through the early weeks of the MLB season, foreseeing potential outcomes can be just as rewarding as the thrill of victory itself. For Carlos Estevez, I recommend holding onto faith, even when the stats may suggest otherwise. Sometimes the best decisions are made when we take a moment to breathe, analyze, and remember: true strength shines brightest through adversity.