The Dodgers aren’t done spending. They’ve added veteran reliever Kirby Yates to their already stacked bullpen, according to Bob Nightengale.
Yates is coming off a stellar season with the Rangers where he took over closing duties and thrived. The 37-year-old posted a 1.17 ERA across 61 appearances, converting 33 saves and finishing with a 7-2 record. He’ll join a Dodgers relief corps that already features Evan Phillips at the back end.
The timing makes sense. Nightengale reports the Dodgers wanted extra bullpen depth with Michael Kopech likely missing the first month. That’s where Yates comes in, giving them another reliable late-inning arm.
It’s been quite an offseason in LA. The Dodgers have loaded up with Blake Snell, Hye-Seong Kim, Michael Conforto, Blake Treinen, Teoscar Hernandez, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott. Their payroll’s now pushing past $380 million – but they’re clearly all-in on 2025.
The bullpen depth is getting ridiculous. Once Kopech returns, they’ll have multiple proven options for high-leverage spots. Between the rotation additions and this stacked pen, the Dodgers have positioned themselves as clear World Series favorites.
The rest of the league has to be wondering what it’ll take to keep up. The Dodgers keep finding ways to get stronger, and Yates gives them yet another weapon for thier championship pursuit.