Dodgers Reportedly Reach Tentative Agreement with Reliever Kirby Yates
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bolstering their bullpen with veteran reliever Kirby Yates, reportedly reaching a tentative agreement with the 38-year-old pending a physical.
News of the deal was initially reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today on Monday morning. Sources close to the negotiations indicate “serious” discussions took place between the Dodgers and Yates, a client of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, according to The Athletic. If the physical is successful, the agreement will be finalized, solidifying Yates’ addition to the Dodgers’ roster.
This move marks the second notable bullpen acquisition for the Dodgers in recent days. Just over the weekend, they secured a four-year, $72 million deal with left-hander Tanner Scott.
The Dodgers’ offseason spending spree has targeted several prominent names, including pitchers Blake Snell, Blake Treinen and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. The team will need to make a corresponding roster move to accommodate Yates,as he would need to be added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Dodgers Bolster Bullpen With Experienced Closer Yates
The Los Angeles Dodgers have fortified their bullpen with the signing of veteran reliever Kirby Yates, adding depth and experience to a unit aiming for another World Series title.
Yates, 37, joins a Dodgers bullpen already bolstered by recent additions Michael Conforto, Hyeseong Kim, and Roki sasaki. This latest move comes as the team seeks to become the first back-to-back World Series champion as the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.
Yates Brings Proven Talent and a Potential Injury Risk
Yates brings a strong track record to los Angeles. After recovering from injuries that limited his playing time from 2020 to 2022, yates enjoyed a resurgence in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, posting a stellar 1.17 ERA and a 35.9% strikeout rate over 61 2/3 innings.This performance placed him second among all free-agent relievers in strikeout rate, trailing only Aroldis Chapman.
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Yates may have been influenced by a recent injury to acquired reliever Michael Kopech, who is expected to miss at least a month of the upcoming season.
Despite his extraordinary performance, Yates does come with some risk. He will be 38 in March and has a history of injuries, including Tommy john surgery. He also still carries a higher-than-average walk rate, though it showed improvement in 2024.
A Powerhouse Bullpen emerges
With the addition of Yates, the Dodgers have assembled a potentially dominant late-inning bullpen contingent. Joining Yates are established relievers Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and the recently acquired scott. This group boasts a potent mix of experience, strikeout ability, and closing experience, making it arguably one of the most talented bullpens in baseball.
Dodgers Set to Spend Big on Yates, Approaching $400 Million Luxury Tax Threshold
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly close to signing free agent reliever Kirby Yates, further solidifying their already impressive bullpen. Yates, who boasts a dominant 2.21 ERA and 35.5% strikeout rate over the past five seasons, is expected to command a notable salary.
the addition of Yates will push the Dodgers deep into luxury tax territory, with their projected Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) figure approaching a staggering $400 million. Under the current CBT structure, every dollar spent above the threshold is taxed at an increasing rate. Given their already projected $371 million CBT ledger, the Dodgers are set to incur substantial penalties for exceeding the thresholds, likely exceeding $120 million in luxury taxes.
Yates’ addition comes as no surprise, with the Dodgers demonstrating a willingness to spend heavily to build a championship-caliber team. The 36-year-old right-hander has been a consistent performer throughout his career, relying on a potent fastball-splitter combo to rack up 93 saves and 30 holds in 262 appearances. His signing further strengthens the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which already features established stars like Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
the dodgers’ deep pockets allow them to withstand the financial burden of exceeding the luxury tax threshold. this aggressive approach signals their unwavering commitment to contending for a World Series title.
How will the Dodgers accommodate Kirby Yates on their roster?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly reached a tentative agreement with veteran reliever Kirby Yates, pending a physical. [[1](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/news/dodgers-continue-spending-spree-sign-two-time-all-star-reliever/1ed63f5adcde78965080888d)]
The 38-year-old Yates is expected to bolster the Dodgers’ bullpen.This signing marks the second notable bullpen acquisition for the Dodgers in recent days, following their signing of left-hander Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal. [[1](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/news/dodgers-continue-spending-spree-sign-two-time-all-star-reliever/1ed63f5adcde78965080888d)]
To accommodate Yates on their roster, the Dodgers will need to make a corresponding roster move.
