LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have added Kirby Yates to a bullpen that might be the best in baseball.
More than a week after the team and the free-agent reliever reached agreement on a contract, Yates passed his physical and was officially added to the Dodgers’ roster. In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated Ryan Brasier for assignment.
The 37-year-old Yates will make $13 million on a one-year deal with the Dodgers. The right-hander can make an additional $500,000 each for 50 and 55 appearances.
After bouncing around with a 4.02 career ERA for four teams (the Tampa Bay Rays, Angels, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres) through parts of five major-league seasons, Yates emerged as an elite reliever in 2019 when he led the majors with 41 saves for the Padres. But he 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 when he saved 33 games for the Rangers. Yates’ 1.17 ERA was second only to Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase (0.61) among relievers with at least 50 innings of work.
Over a 10-year career with six teams, Yates has a 3.17 ERA, 95 saves and 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
He joins Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen in a Dodgers’ bullpen that will feature four players with 20-save seasons in their past.
A veteran of eight major-league seasons with three teams (the Dodgers, Angels and Boston Red Sox), Brasier was acquired in mid-season of 2023 after the Red Sox released him. He was very effective for the Dodgers, posting a 0.70 ERA in 39 appearances that season.
Injuries sidelined the 37-year-old Brasier and he pitched just 28 innings for the Dodgers in 2024 with a 3.54 ERA. He made eight appearances during the Dodgers’ postseason run, starting two of their ‘bullpen games.’