Ranking Royals’ replacement options for Carlos Estévez

After losing closer Carlos Estévez at the start of the season, it seemed like the Kansas City Royals were never able to correct course and avert disaster in 2026. Once Estévez went down, the bullpen experienced a catastrophic chain of events that contributed to one of the team's worst seasons in years.

From Matt Strahm’s nightmare 2026 season to a number of injuries throughout the pitching staff, the Royals simply endured too many challenges to overcome. As a result, the Royals' bullpen ended the season as one of the worst in the entire league. In fact, it was hard to find any real bright spots out of the pen when all was said and done. But without Estévez, who can blame them?

Estévez led all of baseball with 42 saves in 2025. On the heels of his second career All-Star appearance, he looked to be ready to replicate his success and prove that he was capable of becoming one of the best in the league for yet another season. However, an onslaught of injuries prevented Estévez from getting that chance.

The Royals will have to make some tough choices to rebuild their depleted bullpen

With the Royals declining their team option on the 33-year-old reliever for the 2027 season, it appears that they will once again have to find a way to replace him on the mound. But that may be easier said than done. The Royals will have plenty of affordable options to build the rest of the bullpen back up next season. However, they can’t get too budget-conscious when it comes to the closer role.

While there are options on the free-agent market, the Royals may have to overpay for a top-flight reliever. If not, they will be forced to look within to fill the closer role. But only one move will net them the best replacement for Estévez. With Emilio Pagán reportedly heading to the Detroit Tigers on a one-year deal, the closer market is already moving.

We're ranking those closer options from least desirable to most ideal for the team. They may not all be perfect choices, but they can’t be any worse than what the team ran out there in 2026. Right?

Ranking Royals’ replacement options for Carlos Estévez

5.) Lucas Erceg

Okay, maybe things can't be any worse, but they can be just as bad. In the immediate aftermath of Estévez’s injury, Lucas Erceg was the most obvious choice to become the interim closer for the Royals. But his 5.59 ERA and 1.800 WHIP in 2026 tell an entirely different story. Despite converting his first five save opportunities, Erceg was not able to effectively close out games for the Royals throughout this past season. His late-season demotion did appear to help him figure out a few things on the mound in September. Will that be enough to help him to earn the closer job in 2027?

4.) JoJo Romero

As a decent budget option, JoJo Romero could be a reliable arm for the Royals next season. While he hasn't ever closed games full-time for a team in his seven-year career, he does have some experience in the role. Without true wipeout stuff, Romero relied on his impressive sinker to induce ground balls at around a 51% rate in 2026. With the Royals possessing one of the best defensive infields in all of baseball, that could be a winning combination. Would that combination translate into saves? That question may be worth exploring for the Royals.

3.) Raisel Iglesias

Raisel Iglesias has been about as steady as closers come, notching at least 29 saves in each of the last four seasons for the Atlanta Braves. Although he'll be 37 years old when the 2027 season starts, whenever that may be, Iglesias has shown few signs of slowing down with age. Yes, his average fastball velocity has gradually decreased during his time with the Braves, but that has not made Iglesias any less effective at closing out ball games. With a short-term deal, the Royals could really benefit from having a consistent presence in the pen.

2.) Carlos Estévez

Since Estévez would have been due $13 million if the Royals picked up his option, it made complete sense for the team to decline it and pay him the $2 million buyout instead. Despite the move that sent him packing, it doesn't mean that the two sides can't work out a new deal to bring him back. Barring a prolonged lockout, it will be around 18 months since Estévez last pitched at his previously elite level. Taking a cautious approach makes sense for the Royals. Although it remains to be seen how Estévez’s market shapes up this offseason, the Royals would clearly benefit from having him back in the closer’s role in 2027. Just not at $13 million.

1.) Bryan Abreu

With elite relief pitchers like David Bednar and Adrián Morejón likely out of the team's price range this offseason, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo will be limited in his options. However, Bryan Abreu would not be that bad of a consolation prize. Although he struggled with his command throughout the 2026 season, Abreu still sported an impressive 11.5 strikeouts per nine rate in 62.2 innings of work for the Houston Astros. He also allowed just 44 hits, so his stuff is still there. With a tweak of his mechanics, he could be a lethal option for the Royals in late-game situations.

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