Kirby Yates's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Los Angeles Dodgers reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates on Tuesday, pending a physical. It comes after the Dodgers just signed left-handed closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal over the weekend. The Dodgers have fortified their bullpen with two big arms in a matter of days, which makes sense after a report that right-handed reliever Michael Kopech (undisclosed) could miss the first month of the regular season due to an undisclosed injury. Yates, 37, was excellent for the Texas Rangers last season with a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 33 saves, 85 strikeouts and only 28 walks in 61 2/3 relief innings. However, he will be hard-pressed to improve on those elite numbers in 2025, especially since he's unlikely to see many save opportunities while residing in the same bullpen as Scott and Kopech. Still, Yates will be highly coveted in holds leagues.

According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers had interest in free-agent relief pitcher Kirby Yates before signing left-hander Tanner Scott. Harris noted that throughout the offseason, the Dodgers evaluated several of the top relief pitchers, including Yates. However, the team always viewed Scott as the top option. Last season, Scott posted a strong 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP with 84 strikeouts across 72 innings of work last season. Fantasy managers should expect Scott to be deployed as the top ninth-inning option in Los Angeles, given the four-year $72 million contract he received. Yates enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2024 as he posted a stellar 1.17 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP across 61 innings. He tallied 33 saves and 85 punchouts for the Texas Rangers. Yates now sits as one of, if not the top relief pitcher on the market and will likely be deployed as a closer with his new club.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, free-agent relief pitcher Kirby Yates remains a priority during free agency for the Texas Rangers. Yates operated as the top ninth-inning option in Texas last season and performed quite well, boasting a 1.17 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. He tallied 33 saves across his 61 2/3 innings of work. Under the hood, the 33-year-old generated a 1.86 xERA and .145 xBA, which were both among the top marks compared to qualified pitchers. In addition, Yates struck out batters at an elite 35.9% rate and allowed hard-contact at a low 33.1% rate and barrels at a 4.1% rate. However, he did struggle with his command, as he posted a high 11.8% walk rate. Yates will likely operate as a ninth-inning reliever wherever he calls home in 2025, but he would be the clear top option if he returns to Texas.