Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estévez treated Saturday’s arrival to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, like any other game.
He was ready to pitch if his name was called.
In many ways, that’s the life of a high-leverage reliever. Estévez is expected to shut the door each time the bullpen phone rings. And it’s quite easy to get caught up in the daily grind of a 162-game regular season.
So unbeknownst to him, Estévez didn’t realize how far he had climbed on the Major League Baseball saves leaderboard. He knew he had at least 40 saves after reaching that milestone in recent weeks.
It took Royals manager Matt Quatraro, some teammates and even his wife to alert him to the novelty of his 2025 campaign.
“My wife told me something about it and I was like, ‘I don’t know, I’ve got to check,’ you know,” Estévez said. “And I didn’t check and when I came in, (Quatraro) told me and I was like, ‘That’s pretty sick.’ And then, (Cole) Ragans told me later, ‘Oh man, you just need one more and you will lead the league.’ I didn’t know and was like, ‘Let’s get it done tonight.’”
Estévez earned his 42nd save against the Athletics on Saturday. He is the second Royal to lead the majors in saves, joining Dan Quisenberry (1980 and 1983).
After the game, Estévez was celebrated in the clubhouse. He received the game ball and described how special it was to share the moment with his teammates.
“It means a lot because what these guys have been giving us the whole year,” Estévez said. “The effort, you know, playing hard behind us. That means that they feel the same way about us. Getting those saves, I know they are going to have my back, doesn’t matter what it is, and I’m glad they felt the same way.”
The Royals improved to 81-80 with Saturday’s win.
Estévez joined the Royals this offseason. He didn’t expect to record over 40 saves, but his presence has made a positive impact in the clubhouse. Several young players come to him for advice, and the coaching staff trusts him in the late innings.
“He’s an absolute stud,” starter Michael Wacha said. “He’s been great for us since day one. He’s a true stopper out there. He has that knack for shutting the door and, you know, not giving up anything. It’s a good feeling as a starter knowing that you’ve got some nasty guys in the (bullpen). Definitely having Estévez there to shut the door and bring it home.”
Estévez finished ahead of San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez for the MLB lead.
Both honors have placed Estévez in high regard. He will now look to finish off the 2025 campaign with one more save Sunday afternoon against the Athletics.
“He was phenomenal all year,” first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said Saturday. “Another great job tonight.”
The Royals built quality depth with their bullpen this season. It wouldn’t have been possible without Estévez leading the way. And for that reason, he continues to draw the admiration of everyone in the organization.
“We’ve talked a lot about his character and what he’s meant to the team, not only on the field but off the field,” Quatraro said. “And so I couldn’t be happier for him and his family. You know, I think that’s tremendous. … He’s been very reliable and he loves to get out there. He’s not afraid of the big moment and he doesn’t care who’s hitting. It’s all stuff our guys have picked up on.”
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