The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the most active team in baseball this offseason, and they are not slowing down. After defeating the New York Yankees in October to secure their second World Series title in five years, the Dodgers are gearing up for another strong postseason push, having already signed top free-agent starting pitchers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, as well as leading reliever Tanner Scott.
On Tuesday, the Dodgers reached an agreement with another standout reliever, two-time All-Star Kirby Yates, as reported first by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The deal, pending a physical, comes shortly after signing Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. Nightengale highlighted the Dodgers’ substantial payroll, which is expected to exceed $380 million, aiming to bolster their bullpen following an injury to reliever Michael Kopech, who may miss the season’s opening month.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have folks screaming about their payroll, have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates, pending a physical. The deal comes on the heels of signing Tanner Scott to a 4-year, $72 million contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
The Dodgers, who will have a payroll exceeding $380 million, wanted more bullpen depth with reliever Michael Kopech expected to possibly miss the first month of the season. https://t.co/ih7PGRbZHI
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
Kirby Yates began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009, later playing for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels from 2014 to 2017 before being claimed by the San Diego Padres after being waived by the Angels. With the Padres, Yates had a stellar run, securing 56 saves and striking out 256 batters over 183 innings. His standout year came in 2019 when he led the National League with 41 saves and achieved a remarkable 1.19 ERA, earning an All-Star selection and finishing ninth in the NL Cy Young Award voting.
After starting the 2020 season with an elbow injury that sidelined him for the entire year, Yates rebounded by signing with the Atlanta Braves, pitching effectively over two seasons before joining the Texas Rangers. Although the Rangers struggled in 2024, Yates’s performance stood out as he notched 33 saves and a 1.17 ERA, once again earning All-Star honors.
Social media buzzed with reactions to the Dodgers’ significant acquisitions, showcasing the fans’ mix of awe and frustration:
I can’t be mad about Kirby Yates after they just signed Tanner Scott. It’s stupid, it’s ridiculous, but can’t do anything but roll your eyes at this point.
— Dylan Short (@dylanxshort) January 21, 2025
Cubs fans: “It’d be nice if we got Kirby Yates or Tanner Scott.”
The Dodgers: pic.twitter.com/z7jdOGsIkn— Matt Lindner (@mattlindner) January 21, 2025
The Dodgers bullpen was the one element of their team that felt very beatable in the World Series. Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol. That’ll play.
— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) January 21, 2025
Dodgers fans after they signed Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates in less than a week pic.twitter.com/q8cnFvUQCI
— Mexican Rug Dealer (@DealinRugs) January 21, 2025
