Los Angeles Dodgers Secure Kirby Yates with One-Year Contract
The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a one-year contract with free-agent relief pitcher Kirby Yates, valued at $13 million, as reported by Moneyline sources. The agreement includes potential incentives that could elevate the total to $14 million contingent upon Yates making 55 appearances.
Yates, a right-handed reliever and two-time All-Star, had an impressive season with the Texas Rangers, recording a 7-2 record alongside a remarkable 1.17 ERA and a strikeout rate of 12.4 K/9 over 61 appearances. His performance earned him recognition, finishing eighth in the American League Cy Young voting. This latest move by the Dodgers further strengthens their already formidable bullpen, which previously ranked third in Major League Baseball with a 3.53 bullpen ERA.
In recent weeks, the Dodgers have been active in the free-agent market, with notable acquisitions including Japanese ace Rōki Sasaki and relief pitcher Tanner Scott, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract. Last offseason was highlighted by the team's significant financial commitments, including a $700 million contract for superstar Shohei Ohtani and a $325 million deal for pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers are not merely resting on their past successes, having clinched the World Series; they are poised to contend for consecutive championships, notably with the signing of ace Blake Snell on a five-year, $182 million deal.