The Los Angeles Dodgers have significantly strengthened their bullpen by finalizing a one-year, $13 million deal with free agent reliever Kirby Yates. The news, first reported by MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand and later confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, comes after Kirby Yates passed his physical, completing the deal that was initially agreed upon last week. The contract includes performance-based incentives that could raise the total value to $14 million, depending on his number of game appearances.
At 37, Yates remains one of the most effective relievers in baseball. After spending 2022 and 2023 as a setup man for the Atlanta Braves, he returned to elite form with the Texas Rangers in 2024. Yates posted an impressive 1.17 ERA and recorded 33 saves over 61 appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of the top closers in the league. His addition to the Dodgers’ already strong bullpen follows the team’s previous signings of elite reliever Tanner Scott and Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, further enhancing their pitching staff.
However, this influx of talent has created a potential roster crunch for the Dodgers. With the addition of Yates and other recent signings, the team will need to make room on their 40-man roster. According to reports, right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier, formerly of the Boston Red Sox, could be the odd man out. Brasier, who made 29 appearances for the Dodgers in 2024, is owed $4.5 million in 2025, making him an attractive trade candidate for teams in need of bullpen depth.
While the Dodgers’ bullpen is now one of the most formidable in MLB, they face the challenge of managing their roster and making tough decisions in the coming months.