KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals will be sending four players to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with closer Carlos Estévez and utilityman Maikel Garcia earning late additions to the American League roster.
Both players were named All-Stars on Friday, joining shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.
Estévez was selected as a replacement for Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to pitch Saturday and will not be available for the All-Star Game. It marks the second career All-Star appearance for Estévez, who made the team in 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
Now in his first season with Kansas City, the 32-year-old right-hander is enjoying a career year. He leads the American League with 25 saves and holds a 2.03 ERA across 39 outings. Among AL relievers with at least 40 innings pitched, his ERA ranks fifth. Estévez is on pace to eclipse his personal best of 31 saves, set just two seasons ago.
Garcia, 25, was selected to replace Tampa Bay’s Brandon Lowe, who has been sidelined with side soreness. It is the first All-Star nod for Garcia, who has emerged as a key contributor in the Royals’ lineup this season.