Dodgers Engage In Serious Talks With Veteran Reliever Kirby Yates

A Veteran Arm to Bolster the Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly engaged in serious discussions with veteran reliever Kirby Yates, according to multiple sources. The 35-year-old right-hander is a free agent after spending the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Yates would provide a much-needed boost to a Dodgers bullpen that has struggled at times during the 2023 season.

Yates is a two-time All-Star and was named the American League Reliever of the Year in 2019. He has a career 3.34 ERA and 13.9 strikeouts per nine innings. Yates missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, but he returned to action this year and has pitched effectively in 24 appearances out of the Brewers' bullpen.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Yates

Strengths:

• Power arm: Yates throws a 95-98 mph fastball with good movement.
• Effective slider: He also has a sharp slider that he can use to strike out batters.
• Experience: Yates is a veteran with a proven track record of success.

Weaknesses:

• Injury history: Yates has had some injury issues in the past, including Tommy John surgery in 2022.
• Control: Yates can sometimes struggle with his control, leading to walks and hit batters.
• Age: At 35, Yates is not as young as he used to be, and his velocity may not be as consistently high as it once was.

Different Perspectives on the Deal

There are different perspectives on the potential signing of Yates by the Dodgers.

Supporters of the deal:

• Believe that Yates would provide a much-needed boost to the Dodgers bullpen.
• Point to his impressive track record of success.
• Think that his power arm and effective slider would be a great fit for the Dodgers' pitching staff.

Critics of the deal:

• Are concerned about Yates' injury history and his ability to stay healthy.
• Point to his struggles with control, which could lead to walks and hit batters.
• Think that there are other, more reliable relievers available on the free agent market.

Conclusion

The Dodgers' decision to sign Yates is a complex one. There are both pros and cons to the move, and it is ultimately up to the Dodgers' front office to decide if Yates is the right fit for their team. If Yates can stay healthy and regain his All-Star form, he could be a valuable addition to the Dodgers' bullpen. However, if he struggles with injuries or control issues, he could end up being a disappointment.