The Kansas City Royals have made significant strides this offseason, bringing in former All-Star closer Carlos Estévez, who is already getting acclimated during spring training in Arizona. Estévez, who signed a two-year, $22.2 million contract, expressed excitement about his new team colors and the upcoming season, particularly with the prospect of pitching to nine-time All-Star Salvador Perez. Last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies, Estévez posted an impressive 2.45 ERA with 26 saves. With Lucas Erceg also available as a closing option, the Royals look poised for a competitive season.

Fans are hopeful Estévez's successful past will translate into wins, especially as he and Perez aim for a strong rapport on the mound. The Royals, eager for their first division title in a decade, are counting on Estévez to lead their bullpen effectively.

The catcher position in fantasy baseball is gaining respect in 2025, with many viable options for managers drafting in leagues that require a single starter. The depth at the position has increased thanks to managers' willingness to let catchers accumulate significant at-bats, aided by the universal DH rule. Top-tier players like William Contreras lead the pack, while others like Adley Rutschman and Salvador Pérez offer solid alternatives. As managers look for sleepers late in drafts, players like Austin Wells and Sean Murphy stand out as potential breakout candidates.

Wells, now the primary catcher for the Yankees, has shown growth in his offensive metrics. Murphy aims to bounce back after an injury-plagued season but has a strong historical performance. Joey Bart is looking to build on his progress with the Pirates, while Gabriel Moreno and Iván Herrera offer upside as late-round targets. The evolving landscape of the catcher position enhances the fantasy baseball experience, providing managers with more diverse choices.

The Kansas City Royals have been relatively quiet after making significant offseason moves, including re-signing right-hander Michael Wacha to a lucrative three-year contract worth $51 million. They also acquired infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer through trades, but further activity has been sparse as the offseason approaches its conclusion.

The Royals' primary need lies in boosting their offense, an issue partially mitigated by the addition of India. MLB.com's Anne Rogers emphasized this concern, noting that the team aimed to secure a leadoff hitter to complement star players like Bobby Witt Jr. However, questions remain about whether these efforts will suffice.

Alex Bregman, a key player for the Houston Astros, is now a free agent after an impressive career, including two All-Star selections and two World Series titles. With a reported six-year, $156 million offer from the Astros, Bregman is exploring other options as he aims for a contract closer to $200 million.

Potential landing spots include the Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers, each with varying needs and financial capabilities.

Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, recently earned over $700,000 through MLB's pre-arbitration bonus system. This initiative, introduced in the latest collective bargaining agreement, allocates a $50 million pool to reward young players who haven't yet reached arbitration eligibility.

Raleigh's bonus of $713,720 is nearly equal to his season salary of $798,000. Notably, he had an impressive season, winning both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards in the American League, and hitting 34 home runs while driving in 100 runs.