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

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.

According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in free-agent relief pitcher Kirby Yates. Yates is coming off his best professional campaign after posting a stellar 1.17 ERA and 0.83 WHIP across 61 2/3 innings with the Texas Rangers. He tallied 33 saves (second-highest total of his career) and was named to the American League All-Star team. Under the hood, the 37-year-old generated an impressive 1.86 ERA and .145 xBA, which placed him in the 100th percentile in both categories among qualified pitchers. In addition, he generated strikeouts at an elite 35.9% rate and limited hard hits at a solid 33.1% rate. While he did struggle with his command, posting an 11.8% walk rate, Yates would likely open the season as the primary ninth-inning option if he signs in Detroit with Jason Foley moving to the setup role.

Texas Rangers closer Kirby Yates secured his 24th save of the season in Wednesday afternoon's resumption of Tuesday night's suspended game against the hosting Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Yates induced a groundout from Brooks Baldwin for the final out of Wednesday's win over Chicago, earning the save with two strikeouts and working around a walk in a scoreless ninth inning as the Rangers won the game 3-1. The 37-year-old veteran right-hander hasn't looked back after taking over as Texas' closer in favor of Jose Leclerc during the first month of the campaign, registering a 1.25 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 73:23 K:BB while converting 24 of his 25 save opportunities in 2024. He's been one of fantasy's best additions off waiver wires this year.