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Royals decline closer’s option, exercises ex-Dodgers pitcher’s contract
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- Royals decline closer’s option, exercises ex-Dodgers pitcher’s contract
Royals decline closer's option, exercises ex-Dodgers pitcher's contract appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Kansas City Royals addressed two pitching contracts Thursday, determining the futures of former Los Angeles Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin and closer Carlos Estevez.
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Both right-handers entered the offseason with club options after injuries limited their contributions during the 2026 campaign.
The decisions involve different financial commitments. Gonsolin's option carries a $2.5 million salary for 2027, while Estevez's agreement included a $13 million option with a $2 million buyout.
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Kansas City signed Gonsolin in August as he continued recovering from elbow surgery. Estevez arrived before the 2025 season and initially delivered an MLB-leading 42 saves.
Their contrasting contract situations gave the Royals an opportunity to address both rotation depth and bullpen spending as the offseason began.
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The Royals outlined their plans for both pitchers Thursday on their official X account, formerly Twitter, announcing how they would handle each player's 2027 club option.
"We have exercised our 2027 club option with RHP Tony Gonsolin .
We have declined our 2027 club option with RHP Carlos Estévez."
Gonsolin made one appearance for the Royals, allowing five earned runs over 2 2/3 innings before an allergic reaction sent him to the injured list in late September.
His earlier success came with the Dodgers, including a 16-1 record and 2.14 ERA during his 2022 All-Star season.
Tommy John surgery in 2023 and an internal-brace procedure in 2025 interrupted his career. The exercised option keeps him available as experienced rotation depth for next season.
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Estevez's departure follows a difficult reversal from his first year in Kansas City, when he paired those 42 saves with a 2.45 ERA.
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He allowed six earned runs in one-third of an inning on Opening Day in 2026. A foot contusion and subsequent rotator-cuff strain sidelined him, and shoulder surgery ended his season in September.
The buyout makes the 33-year-old pitcher a free agent and costs the Royals $11 million less than exercising his option.
Kansas City retains Gonsolin for 2027 while Estevez enters free agency with his recovery timeline still uncertain following shoulder surgery.
