Dodgers Sign Kirby Yates in $13M Deal, But a Roster Move Looms

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially signed veteran reliever Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13 million contract, with incentives that could push his total earnings to $14 million. The signing reinforces the Dodgers’ bullpen with one of the most dominant relievers from the 2024 season.

Yates, 37, will pitch through his age-38 season after a career resurgence last year, where he posted a 1.17 ERA—the second-lowest among MLB relievers—along with a 2.50 FIP, 0.83 WHIP, and 39 shutdown innings. He also ranked second in Win Probability Added (WPA) among relief pitchers, proving his value in high-pressure situations.

However, the deal comes with an immediate roster crunch, as the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is currently full. To make the signing official, Los Angeles must make a corresponding move, likely designating a player for assignment, placing someone on the 60-day injured list when Spring Training begins on February 10, or orchestrating a trade.

Kopech’s Status: Injury Rumors Disputed

Initial speculation suggested that Michael Kopech‘s reported forearm inflammation prompted the Dodgers to sign Yates as a replacement. However, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes has since denied those injury concerns.

In a recent interview on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, Gomes refuted reports that Kopech would miss time, stating that both he and Kopech were surprised by the rumors.

“I have no idea where that came from,” Gomes said. “Kopech is healthy and on track for Opening Day.”

This shifts the narrative on Yates’ role—rather than filling an urgent gap, the signing appears to be a strategic depth move, ensuring the Dodgers have multiple late-inning options.

Dodgers Bullpen Outlook: Where Does Yates Fit?

With Tanner Scott recently signed to a four-year deal, the Dodgers have now formed one of the strongest late-game units in MLB.

While Kopech thrives on velocity and strikeouts, Yates provides a more control-oriented, hard-contact-limiting approach, which gives manager Dave Roberts flexibility in different matchups.

Yates’ 2024 dominance highlights his reliability:

• 1.17 ERA (2nd-best among relievers)
• 0.83 WHIP (elite command)
• 39 shutdown innings
• 2.50 FIP (suggesting sustained success)

As for who the Dodgers remove from the 40-man roster, that remains an unanswered question. They could part ways with a fringe bullpen arm, designate an out-of-options player for assignment, or place someone on the 60-day IL if an injury surfaces during Spring Training.

Key Takeaways:

• The Dodgers signed Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13M deal with incentives.
• Yates posted a 1.17 ERA in 2024, ranking among MLB’s top relievers.
• Michael Kopech is healthy despite earlier reports suggesting he would miss time.
• The Dodgers must make a roster move to make Yates’ signing official, with several options on the table.

With Spring Training approaching, the Dodgers face a key decision to clear a roster spot for Yates while maintaining bullpen depth.

Who do you think the Dodgers will move to make room for Yates?
Drop your predictions in the comments!