HomeSportsDodgers make deal for Kirby Yates as they continue to strengthen bullpen

Dodgers make deal for Kirby Yates as they continue to strengthen bullpen

Pitcher Kirby Yates and catcher Jonah Heim celebrate after the Rangers’ victory over the Angels last season. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press)

Another day, another impact player potentially joining the Dodgers.

After adding star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki on Friday and then agreeing to a four-year contract with top free-agent reliever Tanner Scott on Sunday, the Dodgers finalized a deal with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates on Tuesday morning, according to a person with knowledge of the situation of not being authorized to speak in public.

No contract had yet been finalized. But it appeared the Dodgers were on the verge of making their last notable signing this offseason, with a two-time All-Star in Yates emerging as the latest big name in their free agency.

Yates, a 38-year-old veteran who enjoyed a resurgence with the Texas Rangers in 2024, has been on the Dodgers’ radar for some time.

Read more: How the Dodgers are taking advantage of salary deferrals and signing bonuses to build their roster

See also  Game New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles: How to watch, start time and more

The team was already in negotiations with his camp before landing Scott on a $72 million deal this weekend. And while the addition of Scott helped strengthen a bullpen that was heavily taxed during the Dodgers’ World Series run last season, the team still felt the need for more reinforcements.

Yates should be in position to help after earning a 1.17 average in 61 appearances last year, good enough to earn his second All-Star selection while amassing 33 saves. That performance continued a positive trend for the 10-year veteran following Tommy John surgery in 2021. After a limited return to the mound in 2022, Yates had a 3.28 ERA in 61 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2023 before leaving went to Texas last offseason in a $4.5 million deal.

While the Dodgers upgraded their starting rotation this winter by adding Sasaki and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, they also viewed the bullpen as an area of ​​need.

See also  Who will win the NBA's post-LeBron/Steph audition? (Hint: It's over. It's Wemby.)

Daniel Hudson retired at the end of last season. Joe Kelly became a free agent. Brusdar Graterol underwent offseason shoulder surgery, which is expected to sideline him for the first half of next season. And other returning players, such as Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips and Anthony Banda, all missed time at the end of last season due to injuries.

Read more: Dodgers agree to terms with left-hander Tanner Scott in another splashy offseason signing

Blake Treinen, who re-signed to a two-year contract worth $22 million, and Michael Kopech, a key acquisition at the trade deadline last July, were the Dodgers’ top options entering the season. But Treinen is 36 and just two years removed from a serious shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Kopech could be in danger of missing the start of next season, according to USA Today, although that is considered just a possible precaution as he deals with arm infections, said a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to discuss the matter. to speak publicly. .

See also  Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy celebrates appropriately after firing collects $250,000 contract incentive

Thus, the Dodgers wasted little time after signing Sasaki to strengthen the other half of their pitching staff. They signed Scott, a left-handed specialist considered the best free-agent reliever in this market, and are moving toward a deal for Yates, who would provide more veteran production for a team that continues to accumulate talent.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

- Advertisement -
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments