Kirby Yates Earns Save Monday, Could Be Rangers' New Closer
Kirby Yates is throwing the ball right now, "we kind of like where it's at." In the 1-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday, Yates tossed a perfect inning with no hits allowed, no walks and no strikeouts to pick up his first save of the season. The 37-year-old veteran hasn't allowed a run yet in 2024 in six relief appearances while walking one and striking out five in six innings of work. Meanwhile, Jose Leclerc has surrendered eight earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking seven and fanning six in six innings. Nothing is official yet, but fantasy managers that are chasing saves should run to the waiver wire to pick up Yates right away.
Source: Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that the team will still keep things open in the closer role, but with the way right-hander Source: Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
Kirby Yates Earns A Victory Out Of The Bullpen
Kirby Yates allowed an unearned run in the 10th inning but still secured the win on Monday as the Dodgers walked off winners over the visiting Marlins. With the score tied 5-5, Yates came on to pitch the 10th inning and allowed the runner placed on second base to start the inning to come around to score on Jesus Sanchez's RBI double. He avoided further damage, though, and the Dodgers stormed back for two runs in the bottom of the inning on a two-run single from Tommy Edman. Yates' win was his third of the season, and he is now 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA and 1.82 FIP to go with 24 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings this season. He has no saves but six holds to go with his three wins, and he'll remain a high-leverage option out of the bullpen for the Dodgers going forward.
Source: ESPN.com
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Source: ESPN.com
Kirby Yates Officially Signs With Dodgers
Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers officially agreed on a one-year, $13 million deal on Tuesday, according to sources. Yates' deal could be worth up to $14 million if he appears in 55 games in 2025. With reliever Michael Kopech (forearm) dealing with forearm issues last fall, the Dodgers boosted their bullpen this offseason with the additions of both Yates and left-hander Tanner Scott, who is expected to see the majority of save chances in L.A. next season. The 37-year-old Yates was outstanding for the Texas Rangers in 2024 with a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 85 strikeouts and 33 saves in 61 2/3 relief innings. While he'll certainly be a nice option for fantasy managers in holds leagues, he will be turning 38 in March and won't see nearly as many save chances with the World Series champions as long as Scott is healthy.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, right-handed reliever Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Dodgers Agree With Kirby Yates
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.
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
The Los Angeles Dodgers reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
Dodgers Had Interest In Kirby Yates
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.
Source: Jack Harris
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers had interest in free-agent relief pitcher Source: Jack Harris
Read More News