Dodgers Strengthen Bullpen with Kirby Yates in $13M Deal Amid Offseason Spending Frenzy
LOS ANGELES, CA The Los Angeles Dodgers have made yet another major splash in free agency, securing All-Star reliever Kirby Yates on a one-year, $13 million contract, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal follows previous reports from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who indicated that the agreement was pending a physical.
The move adds another high-caliber arm to an already stacked Dodgers bullpen, reinforcing their mission to build a near-unbeatable roster heading into the 2025 season.
Yates Brings Elite Relief Talent to L.A.
The two-time All-Star is coming off a dominant season with the Texas Rangers, where he posted an impressive 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 12.4 K/9 rate over 61 appearances. His exceptional performance even earned him an eighth-place finish in the American League Cy Young voting—a rare feat for a relief pitcher.
Yates has consistently proven himself as one of the most reliable and dominant relievers in baseball. His elite strikeout ability and microscopic ERA from last season make him a dangerous weapon in high-pressure late-game situations. The Dodgers, who already boasted a strong bullpen, are now looking even scarier with Yates in the mix.
Dodgers’ Billion-Dollar Spending Spree Continues
Yates’ signing is just one piece of a blockbuster offseason for the Dodgers, who continue their all-in approach to dominating the league. Just last week, Japanese ace Rōki Sasaki agreed to terms with the team, further bolstering their already star-studded rotation.
Additionally, the Dodgers locked in reliever Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. These bullpen reinforcements provide depth and firepower, complementing an already strong relief unit that was crucial in the Dodgers’ success last season.
L.A. Is Sparing No Expense in Building a Super Team
Last offseason, the Dodgers spent over $1 billion on acquisitions, highlighted by the record-breaking $700 million signing of Shohei Ohtani. They also secured Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto with a $325 million contract, setting the stage for another dominant year.
But they didn’t stop there. This winter, L.A. has landed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell on a five-year, $182 million deal, ensuring their starting rotation is one of the deepest in baseball.
Furthermore, the team added Hyeseong Kim and Michael Conforto, two highly skilled players who provide versatility and depth to the lineup. They also re-signed Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen, keeping key contributors in Dodger blue.
A Loaded Bullpen Ready for October Battles
With the additions of Scott and Yates, the Dodgers’ bullpen, which ranked third in MLB last season with a 3.53 ERA, is now in the conversation for the best in baseball. Their elite depth will be crucial as they gear up for another deep postseason run.
The Dodgers are clearly not content with just one World Series title—they are going all-in to ensure back-to-back championships, something the franchise has never accomplished. With a historically talented roster, anything short of another World Series ring would be considered a disappointment.
On paper, the Dodgers might have assembled one of the most powerful teams in MLB history. The 162-game marathon awaits, but if L.A. lives up to expectations, a back-to-back World Series title could be on the horizon.
