Dodgers Closing In On Deal With Kirby Yates As They Continue To Reinforce Bullpen

Los Angeles Continues to Upgrade Their Historically Great Bullpen As Season Approaches

The Los Angeles Dodgers, coming off one of the most disappointing postseasons in recent memory, are attempting to reclaim their status as World Series favorites. Despite an impressive regular season, the Dodgers bullpen was shaky in the playoffs, costing them a chance at a championship. As a result, they have been aggressive in addressing this issue this offseason, and they are reportedly close to signing free-agent closer Kirby Yates.

Adding Yates, a two-time All-Star, would give the Dodgers one of the best bullpens in baseball. Yates has been one of the most dominant relievers in the league over the past few seasons, posting a 2.11 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 163 appearances since the start of 2018. He has also recorded 150 strikeouts in 133.1 innings pitched. In 2019, Yates led the National League with 41 saves.

The Dodgers already have a strong bullpen, led by Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, and Pedro Báez. However, Jansen is entering the final year of his contract and has been inconsistent at times. Kelly and Báez are also free agents after the 2021 season. Adding Yates would give the Dodgers a more reliable and long-term option at closer.

Yates a Proven Closer, Dodgers Bolstering an Already Elite Unit

Yates is a proven closer who has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball over the past few seasons. He has a career ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.05. He has also recorded 228 strikeouts in 222.1 innings pitched. In 2019, Yates led the National League with 41 saves.

The Dodgers already have a strong bullpen, led by Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, and Pedro Báez. However, Jansen is entering the final year of his contract and has been inconsistent at times. Kelly and Báez are also free agents after the 2021 season. Adding Yates would give the Dodgers a more reliable and long-term option at closer.

The Dodgers have been one of the most successful teams in baseball over the past decade, but they have not won a World Series since 1988. Adding Yates would give them a better chance of winning their first title in over 30 years.

Deal Yet to be Finalized, Contract Terms and Speculation

The Dodgers and Yates have not yet finalized the deal. However, reports indicate that the two sides are close to an agreement. The contract is expected to be for two years and worth around $15 million.

If the Dodgers sign Yates, it would be a significant addition to their bullpen. Yates is a proven closer who has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball over the past few seasons. He would give the Dodgers a more reliable and long-term option at closer.

Dodgers Bullpen Now Among the League's Elite

With the addition of Yates, the Dodgers bullpen would be one of the best in baseball. They would have three All-Stars in Yates, Jansen, and Kelly, as well as a solid setup man in Báez. The Dodgers would also have a number of other reliable relievers, such as Dylan Floro, Scott Alexander, and Adam Kolarek.

The Dodgers bullpen was a major weakness in the playoffs last year. However, the addition of Yates would address this issue and make the Dodgers a much more formidable team.

Conclusion

The Dodgers are closing in on a deal with Kirby Yates, which would give them one of the best bullpens in baseball. Yates is a proven closer who has been one of the most dominant relievers in the league over the past few seasons. He would give the Dodgers a more reliable and long-term option at closer.

The Dodgers have been one of the most successful teams in baseball over the past decade, but they have not won a World Series since 1988. Adding Yates would give them a better chance of winning their first title in over 30 years.