Kirby Yates was unbelievable for the Texas Rangers in 2024, earning All-Star Game honors for the second time in his career, while also being named to the All-MLB Second Team. The 37-year-old recorded a 1.17 ERA in 61.1 innings, striking out 85 batters in 61 appearances. The Chicago Cubs seemed like the next destination for the free agent closer, but guess who offered more money?
According to several reports the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Yates a few days after signing top free agent closer Tanner Scott. Bob Nightengale reported the Yates agreement first on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have folks screaming about their payroll, have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates, pending a physical. The deal comes on the heels of signing Tanner Scott to a 4-year, $72 million contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
Yates could have easily stepped into the closer role for the Cubs in 2025 following his 33-save season with the Rangers. The veteran reliever only had one blown save last year with Texas and has converted 87% of save opportunities in his career. (95-of-109)
The 2024 Cubs bullpen was credited with 26 blown saves, which were tied for fourth-most in MLB. Their search for a ninth-inning man will continue. The Cubs have reportedly been interested in Carlos Estévez and Kyle Finnegan this offseason as well.
Sure, Yates is on the older side, but he's shown the ability to be absolute nails throughout his career. In 2019, Yates was the NL saves leader with 41 pitching for the San Diego Padres. During that season, Yates had a 1.19 ERA in 60.2 innings with a ridiculous 41.6% strikeout rate.
Yates underwent Tommy John surgery on March 24, 2021, missed the entire season and only pitched in seven games in 2022.
In 2023, Yates was back fully healthy and logged 60.1 innings with the Atlanta Braves, leading to his superb 2024 season.
Since returning from Tommy John surgery, Yates has posted a 2.21 ERA in 122 innings pitched during the last two full seasons out of the bullpen. The righty has recorded a 33.6 K% accompanied by a 1.01 WHIP.
The 37-year-old does a great job of limiting hits, holding opponents to a .194 batting average throughout his career. However, Yates will have his fair share of walks, averaging about four per nine innings pitched. However, the strikeout rate has been fantastic from Yates, 35.9% in 2024, ranking seventh among all qualified relievers.
