LA Dodgers complete deal worth $13 million over one year with reliever Kirby Yates

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently announced the completion of a one-year, $13 million deal with reliever Kirby Yates, a move that has caught the attention of fans, analysts, and observers alike. The agreement marks a key addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen, as Yates is a pitcher with considerable experience and past success at the major league level. For Yates, it’s a chance to prove he can still be a dominant force after a period of uncertainty in his career.

This deal is a significant one for several reasons, from Yates’ potential impact on the Dodgers’ pitching staff to the team’s approach in constructing a championship-caliber bullpen. In this analysis, we’ll delve into the various elements of the deal, including the background of both Yates’ career and the Dodgers’ bullpen construction, the financial aspects of the contract, and how the move fits into the larger context of the Dodgers’ 2025 season aspirations.

Background: Kirby Yates’ Career

Kirby Yates, 36 years old at the time of the signing, has seen both highs and lows throughout his MLB career. Yates began his professional journey as a 26th-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2005 and made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2014. However, it was with the San Diego Padres that Yates truly began to establish himself as one of the top relievers in the game.

Over the course of four seasons with the Padres (2017-2020), Yates became one of the most dominant closers in Major League Baseball. His fastball, which consistently reached the high 90s, and his devastating split-finger pitch made him a nightmare for opposing hitters. In 2019, Yates was at the peak of his powers, saving 41 games with a 1.19 ERA and 15.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He finished 2019 as an All-Star and finished sixth in the National League Cy Young voting. That performance cemented Yates as one of the elite relievers in baseball.

However, after a career year in 2019, Yates’ career trajectory took an unfortunate turn. In 2020, he dealt with injuries that hindered his performance. A torn UCL in his elbow ultimately led to Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season. The injury and subsequent recovery kept Yates out of action for a prolonged period, and while he returned in 2022, he faced challenges in regaining the dominant form he had shown earlier in his career.

Yates spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2022 season, where his performance was a mixed bag. Though his strikeouts remained respectable, his ERA was significantly higher than it had been in his prime years. In 2023, Yates continued to be a part of the Blue Jays’ bullpen, but the lack of consistency still loomed. However, it’s clear that Yates has the potential to rediscover his dominant form if he can stay healthy and regain confidence in his stuff.

Yates’ Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen

The Dodgers have been synonymous with elite pitching over the past decade, and their bullpen has been one of the cornerstones of their sustained success. The team has boasted a deep and talented group of relievers, and adding someone of Yates’ experience and potential to the mix could be a game-changer for the 2025 season.

As of 2025, the Dodgers have several key pieces in their bullpen, including veterans like Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, and Alex Vesia. Graterol, known for his explosive fastball, and Phillips, a dependable setup man, have been central to the Dodgers’ relief corps for several seasons. However, the addition of a high-ceiling pitcher like Yates could add another dynamic to the bullpen, providing the team with a weapon who, when healthy, has the ability to dominate in high-leverage situations.

Yates’ track record as a closer and late-inning reliever provides the Dodgers with added flexibility. While the team already boasts a closer in Evan Phillips, Yates could step into a setup role or even emerge as a closer if Phillips is unavailable or struggles. In either case, Yates provides a reliable arm who can be trusted in tight games, which is vital for any postseason contender.

Additionally, Yates’ familiarity with high-pressure situations will be invaluable as the Dodgers gear up for another postseason run. Yates has pitched in some of the most high-profile games of his career with the Padres, including several key divisional matchups and playoff-caliber contests. His experience in dealing with the nerves and adrenaline that come with such moments cannot be overstated, and he will bring that leadership and poise to the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Contract Details: A One-Year Deal

The $13 million deal that Yates signed with the Dodgers is a significant investment, especially given his injury history. However, it also reflects the team’s belief that Yates still has the potential to return to form as one of the league’s top relievers.

In terms of financials, this contract offers Yates a high payout for a one-year commitment, suggesting that both sides are taking a somewhat “prove-it” approach. For the Dodgers, the deal offers a low-risk, high-reward scenario. If Yates is able to return to his pre-injury form, the Dodgers will have one of the top relievers in the game for a relatively affordable price. On the other hand, if Yates struggles or is unable to stay healthy, the Dodgers can move on after a single season, without the burden of a long-term commitment.

For Yates, the deal represents a golden opportunity to re-establish his value on the open market. At 36, Yates is in the latter stages of his career, and this one-year contract is likely his last chance to secure a multi-year deal in the future. If he performs well in Los Angeles, he could earn himself another significant contract either with the Dodgers or another team looking for a proven veteran arm in their bullpen.

It is also worth noting that the Dodgers’ strategy in offering Yates this type of contract reflects their general approach to building a roster. The team has become adept at identifying under-the-radar talent and acquiring high-ceiling players at a discounted rate. In many cases, they’ve done this with pitchers coming off injuries, such as when they signed Blake Treinen and Tommy Kahnle to deals after they had undergone significant surgeries. By taking chances on these players, the Dodgers have often found bargains and key contributors to their success.

A Move with Postseason Implications

As always, the Dodgers’ ultimate goal is to win the World Series, and every move made in the offseason is intended to position the team for that reality. By adding Kirby Yates, the Dodgers have bolstered a bullpen that already includes some of the most reliable arms in baseball. The added depth and versatility in the bullpen could make all the difference in high-stakes playoff series.

The Dodgers have struggled at times in recent postseason appearances, especially when it comes to bullpen performance in crucial games. The addition of a healthy Yates, capable of handling late-inning pressure, could be the missing piece in their bullpen puzzle. In particular, Yates could be a weapon in high-leverage spots against top playoff teams like the Atlanta Braves, the New York Mets, or the defending champion Houston Astros.

The Dodgers have long prided themselves on their postseason success, and while their lineup and starting rotation are typically the focal points, bullpen depth has proven to be an equal determinant in a team’s success come October. Yates adds experience and power to an already talented bullpen that will look to prove itself in a playoff race once again.