Dodgers and RHP Kirby Yates Reach One-Year Agreement Worth $13M
Experienced right-handed reliever Kirby Yates has agreed to a one-year deal worth $13 million to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The agreement was initially reported on January 21st and was officially confirmed by the team on Thursday night.
Yates' contract comes after left-hander Tanner Scott signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million deal with the Dodgers last week.
The Dodgers are counting on Scott and Yates to strengthen the back end of their pitching staff, which already boasts starters Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and newly acquired Roki Sasaki. In addition, Clayton Kershaw is expected to return to the Dodgers in 2025 after recovering from an injury.
Last season, Yates, 37, recorded 33 saves and had a remarkable 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA in 61 relief appearances with the Texas Rangers.
As a two-time All-Star, Yates has a career record of 26-21 with 95 saves and a 3.17 ERA in 422 games (all in relief) with the Tampa Bay Rays (2014-15), New York Yankees (2016), Los Angeles Angels (2017), San Diego Padres (2017-20), Atlanta Braves (2022-23), and Rangers (2024).
To make room for Yates on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers have designated right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier for assignment.
