The Los Angeles Dodgers, already under scrutiny for their hefty payroll, have reportedly reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates, pending a physical. The move follows their recent headline-grabbing signing of reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers continue solidifying their bullpen despite mounting criticism over their spending habits. With these back-to-back acquisitions, Los Angeles is signalling its determination to remain a powerhouse while fueling the ongoing debate surrounding their financial strategy.
Dodgers “Reportedly” Adding Kirby Yates to Offseason Haul
As Nightengale points out, the Dodgers’ payroll will now exceed $380 million. Their offseason additions now include Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Hyeseong Kim and Michael Conforto, in addition to the return of Blake Terinen and Teoscar Hernandez. Michael Kopech is expected to miss the first month of the season, although it’s unknown what type of ailment the right-hander is dealing with.
The Dodgers, who will have a payroll exceeding $380 million, wanted more bullpen depth with reliever Michael Kopech expected to possibly miss the first month of the season. https://t.co/ih7PGRbZHI
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
Yates had the best season of his career with the Texas Rangers in 2024. The right-hander went 7-2 with a 1.17 ERA and 33 saves and 50 games finished. He also struck out 85 batters in 61 2/3 innings. His 11.8% walk rate was high but his 35.9% strikeout rate made up for it along with getting grounders in 45.5% of balls in play. Yates even had the second-lowest ERA (1.17) for any pitcher who threw at least 60 innings last season. Behind Yates is only Emmanuel Clase and Yates becomes the third relief pitcher the Dodgers have signed in free agency.
In his 10-year MLB career, Yates has pitched for five teams in addition to Texas, including the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels. Yates did sign a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2021 season but underwent Tommy John surgery and didn’t pitch.
Yates owns a 3.17 ERA, 1.11 WHIP across 192 career games, logging 95 saves in 411 1/3 innings pitched. He has averaged 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings and holds a 7.9 K/BB ratio, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters and limit walks.
More to come.
Main Photo: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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