Dodgers’ $13 Million All-Star Reveals Why He Decided to Sign With LA in Free Agency
After a decade-long MLB career, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Kirby Yates chose to sign with the World Series champions because of the organization’s dedication to being successful.
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“I don’t think there was much of a decision,” Yates told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain this week at spring training. “A team like this comes calling, especially at this point in my career, you want to go to team that’s committed to winning. I don’t think there’s anybody that’s more committed than the Dodgers right now.”
Yates played for the Texas Rangers in 2024 where he produced a 1.17 ERA across 61 appearances. He made his second All-Star appearance last season. The Dodgers designated Ryan Brasier for assignment in order to make room for Yates on the roster.
A few days later, the Dodgers traded Brasier to the Chicago Cubs. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers made the signing of Yates official as a spot on the 40-man roster was cleared.
Yates was considered one of the top relievers in this winter’s free agent class, so it was even more shocking the Dodgers landed him after adding reliever Tanner Scott.
“You’re also getting the definition of a grinder and a great teammate with Kirby,” general manager Brandon Gomes said. “He’s overcome long odds from being a non-drafted free agent [out of college]. He’s persevered through injury and emerged on the other side of that as one of the game’s best relievers.”
Yates has certainly put himself in the best position to win as the Dodgers prepare to chase a consecutive World Series title. And in return, L.A. gets a seasoned reliever who believes his best years are still ahead of him.
“I still felt, [last] year, that I could really pitch at a high, high level still, and I proved that to myself,” Yates said at his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. “I still think I’ve got a few more good years.”
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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