Kirby Yates joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $13 million contract as one of multiple moves to fortify a bullpen that was plenty talented last season.
Yates had an All-Star season in 2024, posting a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 85 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. It was an impressive year, but it was not enough as Yates and the Texas Rangers missed out on the postseason as reigning World Series champions.
October baseball is something that has eluded Yates for much of his career, with only one playoff appearance to his name over a 10-year Major League career. Yates’ only opportunity to compete for a World Series came with the Atlanta Braves in 2023, but it did not last very long as they were eliminated in the National League Division Series by the Philadelphia Phillies.
For Yates, who turns 38 years old this month, the chance to pitch in the postseason with the Dodgers influenced his decision in free agency.
“Free agency is the only time you can really choose your team. The older you get, that starts being important. When you’re the second week of August, first week of September, and you’re falling out of that playoff race, it hits you a little different. You’re getting older and losing another chance to make a deep run in the postseason,” Yates noted.
It is a smart bet on Yates’ part, as the Dodgers have made 12 consecutive postseason appearances. He also believes the Dodgers offer the best chance he’s ever had to win a World Series, despite signing with a defending team the previous two seasons.
“This is my third time signing with the reigning World Series champs. I think the difference this time is how loaded this team is compared to everybody else,” Yates said. “I’m looking forward to finally trying to make that run and be able to pitch deep into the postseason.”
Kirby Yates contract details
Yates’ Dodgers contract guarantees him a $10 million base salary but chance for an additional $1 million through incentives by making at least 55 appearances.
Yates also received a $3 million signing bonus as part of the deal.
A breakdown of Yates’ contract in a $10 million salary and a $3 million signing bonus, with no deferred payments included in the contract.
Yates can also earn up to $1 million in incentives if he makes at least 55 appearances for the Dodgers this season.
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