Kirby Yates Should Secure Padres 2019 Closer Role
Kirby Yates worked around two walks to collect his 12th save Wednesday night against the San Francisco Giants. Handshakes have been rare for the 31-year-old journeyman since he took over for Brad Hand, but Yates has amassed six saves in September. He holds exceptional season numbers with a 2.07 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 12.7 K/9 in 63 appearances. Yates will be arbitration-eligible entering 2019 and it seems likely the Padres retain his services for at least another year. If he rejoins the Friars, he should be a lock as their ninth-inning man. As is normally the risk with Padre relievers, the team has a stockpile of bullpen arms so Yates could ultimately become trade bait. He should be a relatively cheap saves option entering 2019 fantasy drafts.
Source: MLB.com
San Diego Padres closer Source: MLB.com
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
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