Por que Carlos Estévez está motivado para ganhar muito com KC Royals

Carlos Estévez received his Kansas City welcome last season.

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His introduction to KC barbecue was filled with the usual fan favorites: Joe’s Kansas City, Q39 and Jack Stack among the list. Then, there were the local parks. Estévez got a firm understanding of why KC is dubbed the “City of Fountains.”

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Estévez enjoyed his indelible slice of KC culture. It left him wanting more and he already has one major attraction circled: The historic Negro Leagues Museum.

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“I always wanted to go to the Negro Leagues Museum,” Estévez said. “And we had a lot of off days on Monday, but they are closed on Mondays. So, I’m going to go this year.”

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A year ago, Estévez signed with the Royals. He was a late offseason addition as the club sought to bolster its bullpen. The Royals gave Estévez a two-year deal and he rewarded them with a career season.

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Estévez led the majors with 42 saves. He posted a 2.45 ERA in 67 games and made his second All-Star appearance. And, just as important, Estévez became a reliable bullpen anchor.

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“It was a great year,” Estévez said. “Everyone knows, but at the same time, that’s in the past, man. New year, we are going to step it up from here and keep going. You know, take the positives from last year and build on that.”

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Estévez enters his 10th season. He is a vested MLB veteran but is quick to point out that his success isn’t guaranteed. It requires work and preparation to pitch at the big-league level, and that’s why Estévez took detailed notes this offseason.

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He analyzed his performance. The self report highlighted ways to perform efficiently while maintaining daily availability. It’s a formula that has worked in the past — most notably when Estévez pitched seven times in a 10-day stretch.

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“Just taking notes on what I did good, you know, attacking the (strike) zone and being available a lot,” Estévez said. “It’s just being able to keep my team in the game and that kind of stuff. I think that’s what I’ve got to focus on.”

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Estévez will once again be surrounded by veteran teammates. The Royals added relievers Matt Strahm, Nick Mears and Alex Lange this offseason. They will each have a key role in helping the Royals finish games.

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The new additions have created excitement.

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Estévez knew Strahm from his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, and the duo will likely handle the bulk of the backend work.

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“We did get better,” Estévez said. “It’s hard to say because last year we were really good as a pitching staff. I’m excited to see what this year brings.”

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Estévez will have an expedited build up as he is slated to pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic representing the Dominican Republic. He said it was an honor to receive the call and he is ready to compete for his home country.

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“A lot of great players have come from my country,” Estévez said. “You know, they go and represent the country with great pride. It’s the effort, energy and everything. And I just want to make the name on the back proud that I’m wearing the name on the front. It’s a dream come true and hopefully it goes well.”

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Estévez will get a chance to face his Royals teammates. He expects the competition to be fierce and in good nature.

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As long as teammates Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez — who will represent Venezuela — don’t make him laugh during a possible early matchup in pool play.

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“We’re in the same pool,” Estévez said. “I’m just going to try to not look at them in the eyes because I might laugh. You know, I’m just going to keep it simple and look down, get my pitch and go. It’s going to be cool, you know, competing against them. I know they are great competitors.”

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Estévez won’t need to worry after the WBC. The Royals open regular-season play against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on March 27. At that point, Estévez’s only goal is to make the postseason and win it all.

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“This team is looking really good,” Estévez said. “The chemistry of this group and the group of guys we have and the fierce competitors we have, I’m excited to see what this year brings. I think we’ve got a good chance. We’ve just got to keep building what we did last year and let’s take it from there.”