The Dodgers are having serious talks with Kirby Yates, a veteran reliever: The Athletic is the source.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Engage in Serious Talks with Veteran Reliever Kirby Yates: A Deep Dive into the Potential Acquisition
The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again making headlines, this time in their pursuit of veteran reliever Kirby Yates. According to reports from The Athletic, the Dodgers are having serious discussions regarding Yates, a pitcher with a proven track record of success in Major League Baseball. For a team that has consistently been in the hunt for championships in recent years, the addition of a seasoned veteran like Yates could have significant implications on both the immediate and long-term future of the Dodgers.
This potential move raises questions about the Dodgers’ bullpen strategy, their depth, and how a veteran like Yates could fit into an already well-established pitching staff. Given Yates’ injury history and his past success, the Dodgers are likely weighing a variety of factors before making any final decisions. This article will explore the context of the Dodgers’ pursuit of Yates, analyze his career trajectory, the potential impact on the team, and what this move could mean for both the 2025 season and beyond.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Pursuit of Kirby Yates
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most successful and financially robust teams in Major League Baseball. As a perennial contender in the National League, they are always on the lookout for ways to bolster their roster, particularly in areas that can help them in the postseason. Over the past few years, the Dodgers have consistently managed their roster to ensure they are well-equipped to contend for championships, and strengthening their bullpen has been a priority for the team.
The Dodgers’ bullpen in recent seasons has been a point of both strength and concern. While the team has been able to rely on high-performing arms like Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, and Caleb Ferguson, their bullpen has also faced challenges, particularly in high-leverage situations. Adding a proven veteran like Yates could provide a much-needed boost to the backend of the bullpen, offering both reliability and experience.
While the Dodgers have made moves to address their bullpen in the past, the decision to pursue a veteran like Yates suggests that the team may be seeking more stability, especially with the postseason in mind. Yates, despite his injury history, has shown the ability to be a high-impact reliever, and his potential addition could give the Dodgers a more dependable option when the pressure is on.
Kirby Yates’ Career Overview: A Closer Look at His Track Record
Kirby Yates is a name that might not be as widely recognized as some of the other elite bullpen arms in the game, but his career is one that speaks for itself. The 36-year-old right-hander has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and effective closers in recent years, especially during his time with the San Diego Padres.
Yates initially entered the big leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014, but it wasn’t until he joined the Padres in 2017 that he truly began to shine. Over his first two seasons in San Diego, Yates emerged as one of the most dominant relievers in the game. In 2018, he posted a career-best 2.14 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and struck out an impressive 101 batters in just 64.1 innings. His performance in 2019 was even better, as he made the All-Star team and finished with a 1.19 ERA and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings.
However, Yates’ career took a dramatic turn in 2020, when he missed significant time due to injury. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, sidelining him for the majority of that season and most of the following year. After a lengthy recovery, Yates signed with the Atlanta Braves for the 2023 season, though his performance was more modest as he continued to rebuild his arm. Despite the setbacks, Yates showed flashes of his former brilliance, and teams like the Dodgers are likely hoping he can return to his All-Star level of performance.
His career ERA stands at 3.55, with a strikeout rate of 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings, which is impressive for a reliever. However, what truly stands out is his ability to be an elite closer when healthy. With his experience, Yates has the potential to be a game-changer for the Dodgers, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Yates’ Injury History: Concerns and Considerations
Despite his success, one of the primary concerns surrounding Yates is his injury history. After experiencing elbow discomfort during the 2020 season, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, which sidelined him for the better part of two years. This lengthy recovery process has left questions about his long-term durability, particularly as he nears the latter stages of his career.
In 2023, Yates showed flashes of his former self but was not quite the dominant force he had been before his injury. His ERA with the Braves was higher than expected, sitting at 4.11, and while his strikeout rate remained solid, it was clear that he was still working through some lingering effects from his surgery. The Dodgers, given their experience with handling pitching injuries, are likely aware of the risks associated with signing a player coming off of Tommy John surgery.
Still, the potential upside of Yates cannot be overlooked. With proper management and a specific role in the bullpen, it’s possible that Yates could regain the form that made him one of the most effective closers in the game just a few seasons ago. His ability to miss bats and work in high-leverage situations is a valuable asset, and with the Dodgers’ depth in the bullpen, Yates wouldn’t necessarily be required to handle an overwhelming workload.
The Dodgers’ Bullpen Depth and How Yates Could Fit In
The Dodgers have a deep bullpen, with several key pieces already in place. Players like Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Caleb Ferguson have all shown they can contribute in high-leverage situations, and the team’s ability to manage their bullpen has been a strength in recent years. However, as with any team, there is always room for improvement, and Yates could provide the added depth and stability that could make the difference in the postseason.
The Dodgers have frequently employed a closer-by-committee approach in recent years, often relying on different relievers depending on matchups and game situations. Yates, with his closing experience, could be a strong fit for this strategy, providing an option to lock down the game in the later innings. In a bullpen that already includes a solid group of relievers, Yates would likely slot in as a trusted option in the seventh, eighth, or ninth inning, depending on how manager Dave Roberts prefers to structure his bullpen.
One of the key factors in how Yates could fit into the Dodgers’ bullpen is his ability to handle pressure. As a player who has performed in high-leverage situations and thrived in close games, Yates is the type of reliever who can come into a tight spot and deliver. With the Dodgers consistently in the hunt for a World Series title, having a veteran with experience in clutch moments could be invaluable, particularly when it comes to postseason play.
Yates’ Potential Impact on the 2025 Season
The addition of Kirby Yates would have several immediate implications for the Dodgers. From a roster perspective, Yates would add depth and a reliable arm to the bullpen, which is crucial over the course of a long 162-game season. The Dodgers are expected to contend for another championship in 2025, and the strength of their bullpen could make or break their postseason aspirations.
Having a reliable veteran like Yates could also provide mentorship for younger arms in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Players like Ryan Pepiot and Bobby Miller are among the team’s up-and-coming pitchers, and having a seasoned reliever like Yates around could help them develop their craft, especially in the pressure-packed environment of October baseball.
From a psychological standpoint, Yates’ addition could boost the confidence of the entire bullpen. The presence of a proven veteran with a track record of success could make other relievers feel more comfortable in high-leverage situations, knowing they are supported by a player who has been through it all. Yates’ ability to handle stress and pitch with poise in crucial moments is a quality the Dodgers could certainly use as they move toward the postseason.
The Dodgers’ Long-Term Strategy: Building for the Future
The potential signing of Kirby Yates also plays into the Dodgers’ broader long-term strategy. While the team is focused on winning now, they are also committed to building for the future. By acquiring a veteran like Yates, the Dodgers are not just looking at 2025—they are thinking about sustaining success over several seasons.
If Yates can regain his pre-injury form, he could become an important piece for the Dodgers in the years to come. Even if his role diminishes over time, having a veteran leader in the bullpen who can offer insight into game situations, mental toughness, and pitching mechanics would be invaluable for a team that consistently develops young talent.
