The Kansas City Royals have significantly upgraded their bullpen heading into the 2025 season. Last year, James McArthur was slated to be the closer, but now, the addition of All-Star Carlos Estévez and the standout performance of Lucas Erceg has changed the landscape. Estévez, with 82 career saves, brings invaluable experience, while Erceg, who boasted a 2.88 ERA last season, may shift to a setup role. Erceg remains optimistic about his contributions to the team’s postseason aspirations.

Despite his potential demotion, Erceg expressed enthusiasm about being part of a competitive bullpen. He emphasized the importance of team dynamics and the Royals' supportive communication, indicating a healthy culture within the organization. If both Estévez and Erceg perform at their best, the Royals could have a formidable shutdown unit, crucial for maintaining success in the standings.

As fantasy baseball drafts heat up, the debate over when to target closers intensifies. Securing a top option in the early rounds is critical, as the quest for at least 60 saves begins. Closers not only contribute saves but also impact ratio and strikeout categories, making their selection pivotal for fantasy success. A clear understanding of your league format and competitors can shape your draft strategy significantly.

Five must-have closers for the upcoming season include Felix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but boasts impressive 2023 numbers. Lucas Erceg of the Kansas City Royals has the skill set to become a top-10 closer despite a shaky start. Trevor Megill, stepping into a more pivotal role with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to secure 25+ saves. David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024, and Seth Halvorsen from the Colorado Rockies could defy traditional thoughts about Rockies pitchers with breakout potential in 2025.

As the MLB offseason progresses, the closer landscape remains unpredictable. Last season's standout closers, Lucas Erceg and Porter Hodge, have emerged, but recent signings have muddied the waters. While the closer committee trend has lessened, roles are still not as settled as expected. Fantasy managers are urged to adapt by securing reliable, albeit non-elite, closers early and looking for cheaper options to complement their roster, especially in deeper leagues.

In traditional leagues, it’s advisable to wait until later rounds to pick closers unless the draft format prioritizes saves-plus-holds. For those in saves-plus-holds formats, it’s less risky to stock up on multiple options at the end of the draft. Engaging with your roster throughout the season is crucial, ensuring that you’re not left with dead weight after the draft.

The Kansas City Royals have made significant strides this offseason, bringing in former All-Star closer Carlos Estévez, who is already getting acclimated during spring training in Arizona. Estévez, who signed a two-year, $22.2 million contract, expressed excitement about his new team colors and the upcoming season, particularly with the prospect of pitching to nine-time All-Star Salvador Perez. Last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies, Estévez posted an impressive 2.45 ERA with 26 saves. With Lucas Erceg also available as a closing option, the Royals look poised for a competitive season.

Fans are hopeful Estévez's successful past will translate into wins, especially as he and Perez aim for a strong rapport on the mound. The Royals, eager for their first division title in a decade, are counting on Estévez to lead their bullpen effectively.

Carlos Estévez has signed a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals, enhancing their bullpen for the upcoming season. The Royals have revamped their relief corps, and the 31-year-old right-hander is expected to step in as the team's closer. Estévez, an All-Star closer for the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, brings impressive statistics from last season, having saved 26 games with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP. He is viewed as a key addition to a Royals team that reached the postseason in 2024.

Despite a shaky finish to last season with the Phillies, where he allowed a critical grand slam in the playoffs, Estévez’s overall performance makes him a valuable asset moving forward.