The Los Angeles Dodgers made another major move this offseason by signing Kirby Yates, a top reliever, to bolster their bullpen. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Yates agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with $1 million in incentives for games played. This deal, previously reported to be in the works, adds to the Dodgers’ record-breaking $379 million payroll, according to Fangraphs’ estimate.
Yates is coming off an impressive season with a 1.17 ERA, second only to Emmanuel Clase. He has had ups and downs in his career, including undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2021. Despite not necessarily needing him, the Dodgers will find a use for Yates in their stacked bullpen.
However, the question remains: where will the Dodgers put all these relievers? They recently signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal and re-signed Blake Treinen to a two-year, $22 million deal. With a likely seven-man bullpen and several key relievers already under team control, the Dodgers may need to make additional roster moves.
The unit above lacks flexibility with only two relievers having options. The Dodgers are known for playing the roster spot game with their bullpen, meaning another move is likely on the horizon. For now, the addition of Yates further strengthens an already formidable Dodgers bullpen.