The Dodgers signed veteran relief pitcher Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13 million contract that was finalized on January 30, 2025.
Yates had a 1.17 ERA and 1.86 xERA in 61 games in 2024 for the Rangers, with 33 saves, 85 strikeouts, and 23 unintentional walks in 61⅔ innings. The right-hander, who turns 37 in March, struck out 33.6 percent of his hitters faced in 2023-24 combined.
The Dodgers already had a deep bullpen, but this offseason brought back Blake Treinen on a two-year, $22 million contract, then signed free agent Tanner Scott for four years and $72 million before adding Yates.
“I mean, on paper, it’s probably as good as you can get, really,” Yates said of the Dodgers bullpen during his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium on January 31.
Yates is the only one of the Dodgers’ offseason additions who pitched alongside general manager Brandon Gomes. The two were teammates for three years in the Rays system, beginning in Triple-A Durham in 2013 plus parts of the next two years in the majors.
In addition to his $13 million base salary, Yates can earn up to another $1 million in bonuses. He’ll receive $500,000 by pitching in 50 games, and another $500,000 if he gets to 55 games.
To make room for Yates on the 40-man roster, reliever Ryan Brasier was designated for assignment.