Dodgers Build a Super Bullpen Kirby Yates Joins the Championship Hunt
The Los Angeles Dodgers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a powerhouse team for the 2025 MLB season. Their latest move? Bolstering their bullpen with a seasoned, battle-tested closer.
On Thursday, January 31, 2025, the Dodgers announced that they had signed right-handed reliever Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13 million contract. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated right-hander Ryan Brasier for assignment.
This signing is yet another strategic addition to an already star-studded Dodgers roster. Just days earlier, Los Angeles landed Tanner Scott, one of the most coveted left-handed relievers on the market.
A Frenzied Offseason: Dodgers Go All In
The Yates signing is the latest piece in a Dodgers offseason that can only be described as blockbuster. Their biggest splash? Securing Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, one of the most electrifying pitching prospects in recent memory.
If there was any lingering question about roster weaknesses, it was the bullpen. Not anymore.
By adding two elite relievers in a matter of days, the Dodgers’ bullpen has transformed from a potential concern into a major strength.
Kirby Yates: An Elite Closer Returns to the Spotlight
Yates is coming off a dominant 2024 season with the Texas Rangers. The 37-year-old reliever posted a jaw-dropping 1.17 ERA across 61 appearances, securing his second career All-Star selection and earning All-MLB honors for the second time.
Heading into his age-38 season, Yates has no doubt that he still has plenty left in the tank.
“I still felt [last] year that I could really pitch at a high, high level, and I proved that to myself,” Yates said during his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium on Friday. “I still think I’ve got a few more good years.”
A Career Defined by Perseverance
Yates’ journey to MLB stardom has been anything but conventional. A true grinder, he bounced around multiple teams as a journeyman reliever before landing in San Diego at the age of 30.
It was with the Padres that Yates reinvented himself, mastering a devastating splitter that turned him into one of the league’s most lethal strikeout pitchers.
Over four standout seasons in San Diego, Yates established himself as a premier closer. However, his ascent was derailed by Tommy John surgery in 2021, forcing him to miss the entire season and most of the next.
But Yates never quit.
He signed with Atlanta, where he gradually rebuilt his career, delivering a solid 2023 season before truly returning to dominance in 2024 with the Rangers.
“You’re also getting the definition of a grinder and a great teammate with Kirby,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “He’s overcome long odds as an undrafted free agent, battled through injury, and emerged as one of the game’s best relievers.”
A Strikeout Machine: Yates’ Unmatched Skillset
During his time with Texas, Yates put up elite numbers:
- 35.9% strikeout rate
- Opponents hit just .145 against him
- Dominated with his fastball/splitter combination
Despite averaging only 93.4 mph on his fastball, Yates’ ability to mix it with his wipeout splitter made his pitches nearly unhittable.
Now, he brings that elite arsenal to Los Angeles, adding yet another high-caliber arm to a stacked Dodgers bullpen.
A Homecoming of Sorts: Yates’ Family Connection to the Dodgers
Though born and raised in Hawaii, Yates has a special connection to the Dodgers.
“Both of my parents grew up as Dodgers fans in Southern California,” he revealed.
The significance of this signing wasn’t lost on Yates or his loved ones.
“It really sunk in a few days ago what this means to my family. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the announcement. A lot of people close to me are very, very excited—and so am I.”
Yates also shares a long-standing relationship with Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes, dating back to their time as teammates in the Rays’ organization in the early 2010s.
The Dodgers’ Bullpen Is Now a Force to Be Reckoned With
With Yates now in the mix, the Dodgers’ bullpen is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous in baseball.
Here’s what their late-inning arsenal looks like:
- Tanner Scott (elite left-handed closer)
- Blake Treinen (veteran power arm)
- Michael Kopech (high-velocity right-hander)
- Evan Phillips (dominant setup man)
- Alex Vesia (key lefty specialist)
- Kirby Yates (proven closer with elite strikeout numbers)
That’s a terrifying lineup for opposing teams.
“On paper, it’s probably as good as it gets,” Yates admitted. “You can say that for the entire roster. The more guys you can have down there to rely on in key situations, the better. It takes the pressure off everyone.”
Yates’ Leadership and Playoff Experience Will Be Crucial
One of the most underrated aspects of this signing is the veteran leadership Yates brings to the Dodgers’ bullpen. At 38 years old, he has been through every possible scenario—from fighting for a roster spot to closing out crucial games in high-pressure situations.
Yates is no stranger to October baseball. His time with the Padres, Braves, and Rangers has given him valuable postseason experience, something the Dodgers will lean on heavily. With their World Series aspirations, having a battle-tested closer who thrives under pressure is an invaluable asset.
“I know what it takes to win,” Yates said. “This team is built for it, and I’m excited to contribute in any way I can.”
Beyond his performance on the mound, Yates is also expected to be a mentor to the younger arms in the bullpen. Players like Michael Kopech and Alex Vesia can learn from his experience, helping them develop into even more reliable weapons.
With Yates now in the mix, the Dodgers’ bullpen is not just deep—it’s battle-hardened. And that could make all the difference when the pressure mounts in October.
World Series or Bust: The Dodgers’ Championship Mission
It has been 25 years since any team has won back-to-back World Series titles.
The Dodgers have no intention of letting that streak continue.
From signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to now fortifying their bullpen, every move they’ve made this offseason is laser-focused on one goal:
