The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly engaged in serious talks with veteran reliever Kirby Yates, according to a report from The Athletic. Yates, a right-handed pitcher known for his dominant stretch as one of the best closers in Major League Baseball, could be a crucial addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen, which has been a central focus of the team’s offseason discussions. As the Dodgers look to bolster their roster heading into the 2025 season, Yates represents an intriguing possibility for the franchise’s pitching staff. This article will explore Yates’ career, what he would bring to the Dodgers, and the broader implications of this potential move.
The Career of Kirby Yates
Kirby Yates, 36, has experienced both the highs and lows of a Major League Baseball career. A late bloomer, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 26th round of the 2005 MLB Draft, but his path to the majors was far from typical. Yates made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2014, but his tenure with Tampa Bay was short-lived. He bounced around with several organizations before finding his groove as a dominant closer with the San Diego Padres.
Yates’ breakout season came in 2019 when he finished the year with a 1.19 ERA, 41 saves, and a 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings rate. His performance that year earned him an All-Star selection and made him one of the most sought-after relief pitchers in the game. Yates continued to excel as one of the league’s top closers through 2020 but was sidelined for most of the 2021 season due to elbow surgery. His recovery has been the focus of his career in recent years, and after a stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022, Yates is now looking to re-establish himself with a contender like the Dodgers.
Yates’ success has always been rooted in his ability to generate strikeouts. With a high-velocity fastball that regularly touches the mid-to-high 90s and a devastating splitter, Yates has been able to fool hitters with a combination of power and finesse. His splitter, in particular, has been one of the deadliest pitches in baseball, with hitters consistently struggling to make contact.
Why the Dodgers Are Interested
The Dodgers have long been known for their ability to develop pitching talent and for their commitment to a strong, deep bullpen. In recent years, however, there have been moments of inconsistency in the late innings, which has led to an emphasis on shoring up the relief corps. In 2024, while the Dodgers remained a perennial powerhouse in the National League, they saw moments where their bullpen faltered, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Yates, with his ability to miss bats and control games in tight spots, could be exactly what the Dodgers need to address some of those inconsistencies. Even though he has faced some injury challenges in recent years, his career body of work speaks to his potential when healthy. A healthy, effective Yates could slot into the back end of the bullpen, providing a steady presence late in games and adding a powerful arm to the Dodgers’ relief options.
Moreover, Yates brings a veteran presence that could be invaluable in a bullpen that will likely include younger, less experienced arms. A player who has been through the rigors of high-leverage situations and has the experience of closing games in pressure-packed moments could be an important asset for a team that has postseason aspirations. Yates’ leadership and his ability to mentor younger pitchers could play a significant role in the development of some of the Dodgers’ emerging arms.
The Dodgers have also been looking to make strategic additions to their pitching staff while balancing financial flexibility. Yates, who is coming off a relatively low-profile few years after his surgery, could represent a low-risk, high-reward move. Given his experience and history of success, signing Yates would allow the Dodgers to add a proven arm to their bullpen without breaking the bank, something that is especially important in an era of financial considerations and luxury tax thresholds.
Yates’ Fit in the Dodgers’ Bullpen
If Yates were to join the Dodgers, he could fill several important roles in the bullpen. Given his history as a closer, it’s possible that the Dodgers would look to have him serve in a high-leverage role in the late innings, potentially as a set-up man for closer Evan Phillips. Phillips has been excellent for the Dodgers, but the team has often utilized a bullpen-by-committee approach in recent years, which means there could be multiple pitchers in high-leverage situations in the eighth and ninth innings.
Yates’ ability to work multiple innings could also be an asset in the Dodgers’ bullpen construction. Over the years, the Dodgers have favored flexibility with their relief pitchers, using them in a variety of situations based on matchups and the needs of the game. Yates’ experience in late-game situations and his ability to handle high-pressure moments would make him an ideal candidate for such an approach.
Another factor that could contribute to Yates’ success in Los Angeles is the team’s commitment to pitch development. The Dodgers are well-known for their work with pitchers, utilizing advanced analytics and technology to help them improve their stuff. Given Yates’ established skill set, it’s possible that the Dodgers could help him refine his approach and continue to evolve as a pitcher.
Injury Concerns and Risk Factor
While Yates’ track record is solid, there are also some concerns surrounding his recent injury history. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021, Yates struggled to regain his pre-surgery form. In 2022, while with the Toronto Blue Jays, he made only 17 appearances and posted a 4.58 ERA. His velocity was not quite where it had been in his prime years with the Padres, and while he did show flashes of his former self, his health and consistency remained in question.
However, the Dodgers have a strong medical and conditioning staff that has a history of helping pitchers regain their form after injuries. If Yates is healthy and able to return to something close to his previous form, he could provide immense value. The risk is relatively low given the expected financial terms of any deal. Still, it would be a calculated risk, and the Dodgers would likely monitor his workload carefully, particularly early in the season.
Implications of the Move for the Dodgers
If the Dodgers do indeed finalize a deal with Yates, it would signal their intent to remain at the top of the National League. The Dodgers have consistently been one of the most successful teams in MLB in recent years, but their bullpen has been an area of concern at times. Adding Yates would give them a proven arm with closing experience who can help stabilize the backend of the bullpen.
Moreover, Yates’ signing could be part of a broader strategy to add veteran talent and deepen the roster without overspending. Given the team’s financial situation and their commitment to developing young talent, a low-risk, high-reward signing like Yates could be a smart way to improve their bullpen without straining their payroll.
Finally, a move for Yates could signal a commitment to winning now. The Dodgers have a championship window that remains wide open, and adding a pitcher of Yates’ caliber—assuming he returns to form—would help them stay competitive, especially as they gear up for another run at a World Series title.
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