LA Dodgers shock MLB with unexpected signing of 37-year-old pitcher

In a surprising move that has taken Major League Baseball (MLB) by storm, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly added veteran reliever Kirby Yates to their bullpen. The announcement was made early Tuesday, 21st January morning, further showcasing the Dodgers' commitment to bolstering their roster as they aim for another championship run.

Breaking the news: Kirby Yates joins the LA Dodgers

The news was first shared by Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, who revealed that the Dodgers had reached a tentative agreement with the free-agent closer, pending a physical exam.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have folks screaming about their payroll, have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates, pending a physical," Nightengale posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

This signing comes after the Dodgers had shown prior interest in Yates, having engaged in discussions before securing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott on a massive four-year, $72 million deal just a few days prior.

Kirby Yates' impressive 2024 campaign

Yates is coming off an outstanding 2024 season with the Texas Rangers, where he impressed with a remarkable 1.17 ERA over 61.2 innings and recorded 33 saves.

His performance played a significant role in helping the Rangers secure the 2023 World Series title. Notably, Yates struck out 85 batters and finished 50 games, cementing his status as one of the top closers in the league.

A ten-year MLB career: Kirby Yates’ journey so far

Throughout his 10-year MLB career, Yates has played for six different teams, including the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers.

In addition, he spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 on a one-year contract but was sidelined due to Tommy John surgery. Across 422 regular season games, Yates has maintained a solid 3.17 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, earning a reputation as a dependable reliever.

With the signing of Yates, the Dodgers’ payroll is expected to exceed $380 million. This move is part of their larger offseason strategy, which has seen several high-profile additions, including Cy Young winner Blake Snell, pitcher Roki Sasaki, reliever Tanner Scott, infielder Hyeseong Kim, and outfielder Michael Conforto. Additionally, the Dodgers have re-signed key players such as Blake Treinen and Teoscar Hernández to further strengthen their lineup.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the Dodgers are poised to be one of the most formidable teams in the league, with a roster stacked with talent across every position.