KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have officially signed Carlos Estévez to bolster their bullpen, finalizing a contract worth $22 million over two years. The agreement includes an option for the club to extend the deal through 2027.

To accommodate Estévez on the 40-man roster, infielder Braden Shewmake has been designated for assignment.

Estévez, now 32 years old, had a productive season last year while playing for both the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies. He recorded a 4-5 win-loss record, an impressive 2.45 earned run average (ERA), and secured 26 saves in 54 appearances. Midway through the season, he was traded to the Phillies.

During his time with Philadelphia, Estévez played a crucial role in helping the team clinch the National League East title. However, he faced a tough moment in the playoffs when he allowed a grand slam to Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets during Game 4 of the National League Division Series.

Two seasons ago, Estévez earned recognition as an All-Star while with the Angels, finishing that year with a record of 5-5 and a 3.90 ERA across 63 games.

Braden Shewmake, who was brought to the Royals after being claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on January 8, has had a challenging start to his major league career. A first-round selection by the Braves in the 2019 amateur draft, Shewmake has struggled at the plate, holding a batting average of just .118, with only one home run and four RBIs over the course of 31 big league games.