The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly reached a tentative agreement with free-agent reliever Kirby Yates, pending a physical examination. This move comes shortly after the Dodgers signed left-handed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract, further strengthening their bullpen. Yates, who turns 38 in March, had an impressive 2024 season with the Texas Rangers, recording a 1.17 ERA, 33 saves, and 85 strikeouts over 61 appearances.
Yates’ addition addresses a significant need for the Dodgers, especially with reports indicating that reliever Michael Kopech may miss the first month of the season due to injury. The Dodgers’ bullpen, which already includes notable names like Blake Treinen and the recently acquired Tanner Scott, is now poised to be one of the most formidable in Major League Baseball. This signing underscores the Dodgers’ aggressive approach this offseason, as they’ve also added stars like Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Michael Conforto to their roster.
While the exact terms of Yates’ contract have not been disclosed, the Dodgers’ willingness to invest heavily in their roster highlights their commitment to defending their World Series title. Their offseason spending spree has drawn attention, with their payroll projected to exceed $380 million, leading to significant luxury tax implications. Nevertheless, the Dodgers appear focused on assembling a team capable of achieving back-to-back championships, a feat not accomplished since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.
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