Royals Reacts Survey – Surveys are for closers
KC needs someone to close the game. Who should it be?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 29: Lucas Erceg #60 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on March 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Royals fans and fans across the country.
Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Carlos Estévez led all of MLB in saves in 2025. He also had a very bad, no-good, borderline horrific day when he first attempted a save for the Royals in 2026.
All signs point to him relinquishing the closer’s role, at least temporarily. Matt Quatraro indicated he’d pitch in low leverage for a while, but he’s also been considered day-to-day with a foot contusion after taking a comebacker to the ankle during Saturday’s meltdown. In the interim, the Royals will need someone else to become the closer.
We’ve seen Lucas Erceg close Sunday’s contest, and John Schreiber picked up a save in Monday’s game. Those aren’t even remotely the only options in KC’s bullpen, though. Erceg obviously has experience as a closer for the Royals, picking up 11 saves down the stretch in 2024, plus two more last year.