Kirby Yates’ $13 Million Contract What It Means for the Dodgers’ 2025 Season

In a significant move for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team has brought in veteran closer Kirby Yates, a well-respected figure in Major League Baseball (MLB). On January 30, 2025, it was officially announced that Yates had signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Dodgers, making him one of the more exciting additions to their bullpen for the upcoming season.

What sets this contract apart, however, is not just the substantial financial commitment but also the performance-based incentives that come with it. Yates stands to earn an additional $100,000 in bonuses, with $50,000 for 50 relief appearances and another $50,000 for 55 appearances. This is a clear indication of the Dodgers’ faith in Yates to deliver a strong season and potentially make a major impact on their bullpen throughout 2025.

Is this the signing that could propel the Dodgers to another World Series victory?

Breaking Down the Deal: What Yates Brings to the Dodgers

The details of Yates’ contract reveal a lot about both his value to the team and the Dodgers’ expectations. In addition to the $3 million signing bonus that he received when he put pen to paper, Yates will make $10 million in salary for the year. This represents a significant investment in a player who, while older at 37 years old, has consistently shown that he can perform at a high level, even in pressure-packed situations.

Yates had an outstanding season in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, finishing with an impressive 1.17 ERA, a career low. He also earned 33 saves, solidifying his status as one of the top closers in the game. His success with the Rangers made him an obvious target for teams looking to bolster their bullpen heading into 2025, and the Dodgers quickly seized the opportunity to sign him.

With such an impressive track record, will Yates’ addition finally give the Dodgers the bullpen depth they’ve been looking for?

A Storied Career: From Underdog to All-Star

Kirby Yates’ rise to prominence in MLB is nothing short of remarkable. In a career that spans over a decade, he has proven to be one of the most effective and durable closers in the game. However, his journey to the top wasn’t easy.

• 2005 MLB Draft: Yates was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 26th round, a position that signaled he wasn’t seen as a top prospect.
• Early struggles: His early years in professional baseball were marked by constant movement between minor league teams, and it wasn’t until he joined the San Diego Padres that he truly began to shine.

His breakthrough moment came in 2019, a season that would forever change his career. Yates posted an ERA of 1.19, the lowest in the league for closers that year. He also earned 41 saves, the most in all of MLB. His ability to strike out hitters (with a career-high 101 strikeouts in 60.2 innings) was a game-changer for the Padres, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after relief pitchers in the league.

• Career Stats: Over his career, Yates has accumulated a 26-21 record, a 3.17 ERA, and 95 saves across 422 relief appearances with several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, and Atlanta Braves.

Can Yates replicate his 2019 form and help lead the Dodgers to the promised land?

Dodgers’ Expectations: What They Need from Yates

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a position where they need reliable bullpen arms to bolster their already stellar roster. With Yates’ extensive experience and proven closing ability, he provides exactly what the team needs—a closer who can finish games with confidence.

But what exactly does Yates bring to the table?

• Proven reliability: Yates has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, and his experience in closing games is invaluable.
• Strikeout potential: His ability to strike out hitters—he has a career strikeout rate of over 10 per 9 innings—makes him a crucial weapon for any bullpen.
• Leadership: As a seasoned veteran, Yates can mentor younger pitchers while also providing a stabilizing presence in the late innings.

The Dodgers’ bullpen could be the final puzzle piece in their quest for another World Series title. Will Yates be the key to making it happen?

Looking Ahead: Yates’ Future with the Dodgers and Beyond

As Yates heads into his 37th season, many are curious about how much longer he can maintain his elite level of performance. But if 2024 is any indication, Yates is far from slowing down. His deal with the Dodgers provides him with a prime opportunity to showcase his skills once again, and with a strong 2025 campaign, he could earn a larger contract in the future.

The Dodgers have placed their trust in a player with a long track record of success, but it remains to be seen whether he can continue to defy age and deliver when it matters most.

Could Yates’ final years in MLB be some of his most impactful yet?

Final Thoughts: Yates and the Dodgers: A Partnership Worth Watching

Kirby Yates’ $13 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers is a major statement from both sides. For Yates, it’s a chance to show that he’s still among the game’s elite closers, while for the Dodgers, it’s an opportunity to secure a bullpen asset with invaluable experience.

With the potential for up to $100,000 in performance bonuses, Yates is motivated to continue his dominance on the mound.
If he stays healthy and performs to the level he’s capable of, Yates could prove to be one of the most valuable acquisitions the Dodgers make in the coming season.