The Los Angeles Dodgers’ signing of right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates appears to be done, according to multiple sources including ESPN’s Jeff Passan. They now have four relievers capable of closing games at the back end of their bullpen. Along with Yates, they also have Blake Trenien, Michael Kopech, and the recently signed Tanner Scott. This is a luxury that Los Angeles has never had in franchise history. But could it also be born out of necessity as well?
Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Can get up to $14M with 55 games. Deal is done. The Dodgers’ bullpen gets even stronger. First on Yates’ physical being passed was @Feinsand.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 29, 2025
Kirby Yates Joins Dodgers Bullpen: Luxury or Necessity?
What the Dodgers Are Getting
Yates, the 38-year-old veteran is coming off the best season of his career. He put up a sparkling 1.17 ERA while pitching for the Texas Rangers last year. In addition, he struck out more than 36% of batters he faced in over 60 innings, and a WHIP of 0.827. That is a workload he was able to duplicate from 2023 after fully recovering from Tommy John surgery, which took place in 2019. Yates is only one of three relievers in the history of baseball to have multiple seasons with more than 40 saves and an ERA below 1.25. Since he started to throw the splitter, both left-handed and right-handed hitters are hitting below the Mendoza line.
Will Yates Minimize Defensive Weakness?
The Dodgers’ defense may not be as strong as it has been in the past. Mookie Betts is moving to shortstop at the beginning of 2025. The Gold Glove right fielder has had the offseason to prepare for his position switch, but it may take some time coming into the new year for Betts to become comfortable in the six hole. Max Muncy has made incredible progress defensively at third base, but he’s primarily known for his bat. The same could be said for outfielder Teoscar Hernández.
Therefore, Yates’ ability to miss bats with his filthy fastball-splitter repertoire will come in handy any time he’s called upon, but specifically in the postseason. That is, of course, the Dodgers’ ultimate goal.
The Unpredictability of the Injury Bug
Last season was a living illustration of why you can never have enough pitching. Every member of the starting rotation coming out of spring training was on the injured list at least once in 2024. As a result, it was the bullpen that held the pitching staff together. Somehow, the Dodgers managed to win the World Series with three viable starters and a cadre of stout relievers. Los Angeles is committed to finding the answers to the injuries. As a result, they are going with a six-man rotation this coming year. Yet some of the projected starters are coming off significant injuries and will be on an innings limit. Therefore, the Dodgers can only carry seven relievers at a time. This underscores the importance of quality and flexibility. However, there are still no guarantees.
It’s safe to say that the Dodgers are pushing all their chips to the middle of the table in pursuit of another championship. It is also very clear that they would rather not run short of quality arms like they did last year. Thus, the upgraded pitching staff. It looks great on paper, but the Dodgers still have to take the field to prove that it wins.
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