Dodgers Add Another Piece to the Puzzle with Kirby Yates

The Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing their offseason spending spree, this time adding veteran right-handed reliever Kirby Yates to their bullpen. Yates, a two-time All-Star, spent the 2023 season with the Texas Rangers.

Yates’ Impressive Resurgence

Despite being 38 years old, Yates has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2023, he posted a 1.17 earned-run average in 61 outings, earning his second All-Star selection and 33 saves. This performance continued a positive trend for Yates, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021. After a limited return in 2022, he had a 3.28 ERA in 61 games with the Atlanta Braves before joining the Rangers.

Dodgers’ Bullpen in Need of Reinforcement

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a concern for the team, especially after Daniel Hudson retired and Joe Kelly became a free agent. Brusdar Graterol is also expected to miss the first half of the season due to offseason shoulder surgery. The team’s other returning contributors, such as Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, and Anthony Banda, all missed time late last season due to injuries.

Yates to Provide Veteran Leadership and Production

Yates is expected to provide veteran leadership and production to the Dodgers’ bullpen. With Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech facing potential injury issues, Yates could be a key contributor in the team’s quest for another World Series title.

Dodgers Continue to Collect Talent

The Dodgers have made a number of notable additions this offseason, including Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Yates is just the latest in a series of moves by the Dodgers to bolster their roster.

Conclusion

The addition of Kirby Yates is a significant move for the Dodgers, as they continue to build a team that is poised to compete for another World Series championship. Yates’ experience and production will be invaluable to the Dodgers’ bullpen, and his veteran presence will provide leadership to the team’s younger players.