Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estévez, the Kansas City Royals' closer and 2025 saves leader (42 saves, 2.45 ERA), has suffered a nightmare 2026 season marked by multiple injuries. He was hit by a comebacker off his left foot in his Opening Day appearance, resulting in a left foot contusion that sidelined him for over a month. Upon attempting a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on May 6, 2026, Estévez exited after just two outs due to right shoulder discomfort. Subsequent testing revealed a right rotator cuff strain. He will be shut down from throwing for three weeks and reevaluated at the end of May, with a mid-to-late June return target at the earliest. Compounding concerns, his velocity has been significantly diminished throughout 2026—averaging 89.4 mph in spring training (nearly 7 mph below his 2025 average of 95.9 mph) and only reaching 88-91 mph during his rehab outing. The 33-year-old has not looked right at any point this season, even during spring training and World Baseball Classic appearances.