Dodgers Strengthen Bullpen with ‘Grinder & Great Teammate’ Kirby Yates

Kirby Yates, the latest addition to the Los Angeles Dodgers, was officially introduced at Dodger Stadium just one day after signing a one-year, $13 million contract. This marks the Dodgers’ fifth introductory press conference in the last two months, following those for Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernández, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott.

Yates isn’t just another bullpen arm; he embodies grit, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit. His journey—from being undrafted to becoming one of MLB’s top relievers—is nothing short of inspiring.

“A true grinder and a great teammate.” That’s how Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes described Yates at the press conference.

A Grueling Journey: Overcoming Doubts & Injuries

Unlike many top MLB stars, Yates was never a highly touted prospect. He wasn’t selected in the MLB Draft, forcing him to start his professional career as an undrafted free agent—a path that often leads to short-lived stints in the minor leagues.

Breakout Season: In 2019, Yates had his career-best year with the San Diego Padres, posting a 1.19 ERA and recording 41 saves, making him one of the most dominant closers in baseball.

Devastating Setbacks: From 2020 to 2022, Yates was sidelined due to persistent elbow injuries, including a Tommy John surgery that nearly derailed his career. He played in only seven MLB games over that three-year span.

A Resilient Comeback: Despite those challenges, Yates fought his way back. Over the past two seasons (2023-2024), he has re-established himself as a top-tier bullpen arm, posting an ERA of 2.21 with a 33.6% strikeout rate—numbers that prove he still has plenty left in the tank.

Dodgers’ Bullpen Just Became Even More Dangerous

By adding Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, the Dodgers bullpen is now one of the deepest and most formidable in MLB. With stars like Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Brusdar Graterol, the team now boasts a powerful mix of velocity, experience, and closing ability.

Yates on the Dodgers bullpen:
“On paper, this is as good as it gets. I think everyone knows that. The more guys we have that can step up in different situations, the easier it is to manage workloads. Some teams don’t have that luxury and rely too much on just a few guys. I don’t think that’ll be a problem here.”

The Dodgers’ advantage: They now have multiple high-leverage arms to spread the workload, avoiding overuse of any single reliever—a critical factor in sustaining performance over a grueling 162-game season.

A Perfect Fit for the Dodgers’ Championship Aspirations

The Dodgers have World Series ambitions, and their front office has aggressively built a powerhouse roster. The additions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow already made headlines this offseason, and now, with the reinforced bullpen, Los Angeles is looking stronger than ever.

Why Yates fits the Dodgers’ strategy:

• Proven postseason experience: The Dodgers need relievers who can handle the pressure of October baseball.
• Strikeout machine: Yates’ nasty splitter remains one of the best swing-and-miss pitches in the game.
• Closer experience: He can step up in the 9th inning if needed, giving manager Dave Roberts more flexibility.

Championship-caliber depth: With Yates in the mix, the Dodgers now have multiple pitchers who can shut down elite lineups in the playoffs.

Roster Moves: Dodgers Cut Ties with Ryan Brasier

To make room for Yates on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers made a tough decision—designating veteran reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment.

Why the Dodgers made this move:

• Brasier is a quality reliever. He played a key role in the bullpen last season.
• But the Dodgers need to manage payroll: They are well over the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold, meaning keeping Brasier would cost them 110% in tax penalties—far beyond his actual salary.
• Risk of losing him for nothing: The Dodgers were reportedly trying to trade Brasier before finalizing the deal with Yates. However, rival teams might wait for him to be released instead of making a trade.

A high-stakes gamble, but the Dodgers believe Yates is worth it.

New Jersey Number: A Fresh Start

Kirby Yates will wear No. 38 with the Dodgers, a number last worn by Yency Almonte in 2023. While a jersey number might seem minor, for Yates, it represents a new chapter and a shot at redemption.

A chance to rewrite his story. A chance to return to greatness.

What to Expect from Yates in 2024

Will he be an All-Star again? The Dodgers are hoping to see the 2019 version of Yates, the one who dominated hitters and shut down games with authority.

How will he be used?

• A setup role behind Evan Phillips?
• A potential closer?
• High-leverage situations in the late innings?

The Dodgers have options, and Yates gives them another lethal weapon in tight games.

Fan Reactions & Expectations

As expected, Dodgers fans have been buzzing about the signing. Many are excited about Yates’ potential impact, while others remain cautiously optimistic, given his injury history.

Can Yates return to Elite Form?

One of the biggest questions surrounding Kirby Yates is whether he can recapture the dominance he displayed in 2019. His 1.19 ERA and 41 saves with the Padres made him one of the most feared closers in the game, but after undergoing Tommy John surgery and battling injuries, some doubt whether he can still be that same pitcher.

However, the Dodgers’ front office clearly believes in his resurgence. In 2023, Yates posted an impressive 2.72 ERA with the Braves, proving that his elite splitter and strikeout ability are still effective. If he continues to build on that success, he could become one of the most valuable relievers in baseball once again.

The Dodgers’ Championship Window is Now

The Dodgers aren’t just trying to make the playoffs—they are aiming to win it all. Every move they’ve made this offseason, from signing Shohei Ohtani to reinforcing the bullpen with Yates and Tanner Scott, reflects their win-now mentality.

With Opening Day approaching, fans are eager to see if Yates will rise to the occasion and become a crucial piece of the Dodgers’ championship puzzle. Will he prove the doubters wrong? Only time will tell.