LOS ANGELES — Wait – there’s more.
Just days after reaching agreement on a four-year, $72 million contract with free agent reliever Tanner Scott, the Dodgers are set to add yet another top free agent.
According to multiple reports, the Dodgers are near an agreement with veteran reliever and two-time All-Star Kirby Yates. Like the agreement with Scott, the deal is pending a physical and the Dodgers will need to make moves to clear spots on the 40-man roster.
Since winning the World Series less than three months ago, the Dodgers have added Scott, starting pitcher Blake Snell, outfielder Michael Conforto, infielder Hyeseong Kim and starting pitcher Roki Sasaki through free agency while re-signing outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and reliever Blake Treinen and signing utility man Tommy Edman to a contract extension.
The 37-year-old Yates led the majors with 41 saves for the San Diego Padres in 2019 but pitched just 11⅓ innings over the next three seasons due to injuries and Tommy John surgery. He re-established himself with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and made his second All-Star team last year, saving 33 games for the Rangers with a 1.17 ERA and 0.83 WHIP.
Over a 10-year career with six teams, Yates has a 3.17 ERA, 95 saves and 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
Scott and Yates add to a bullpen that carried the Dodgers during their 2024 postseason run – but one that has injury concerns heading into the 2025 season. Brusdar Graterol underwent shoulder surgery following the World Series and will not be available until late in the 2025 season. Evan Phillips finished the 2024 season with a shoulder injury and did not pitch in the World Series. Alex Vesia missed the NL Championship Series with an intercostal injury.
And right-hander Michael Kopech reportedly pitched through forearm discomfort during the postseason and might not be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
In addition, the Dodgers have subtracted veterans Daniel Hudson (retirement) and Joe Kelly (unsigned free agent) from the bullpen mix.