Top Dodgers Brass In 'Serious' Talks To Bring Back Veteran Fireballer Kirby Yates

The Case for a Reunion

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly in "serious" talks to bring back veteran reliever Kirby Yates, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Yates, who turns 33 in January, spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Dodgers before being traded to the San Diego Padres in December 2018. A reunion would make sense for both sides: the Dodgers need bullpen help, and Yates is a proven closer with a track record of success in Los Angeles.

In 2019, Yates was one of the best relievers in baseball, posting a 1.19 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 41 saves in 60 appearances. He followed that up with a solid 2020 season, finishing with a 3.16 ERA and 11 saves in 22 appearances (he missed time due to injury). Yates's numbers dipped a bit in 2021, as he finished with a 4.19 ERA and 20 saves in 51 appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays, but he still showed flashes of his old self. He was particularly effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .212 batting average and .645 OPS.

The Dodgers' bullpen was a major weakness in 2022, as they finished with a 4.05 ERA (18th in MLB) and blew 19 saves (tied for 7th in MLB). Adding Yates would give them a much-needed boost, as he has a proven track record of success as a closer and can also be used in high-leverage situations.

The Case Against a Reunion

There are some who argue that the Dodgers should not bring back Yates. They point to his age (he will be 33 in January) and his decline in performance in 2021 as reasons to be cautious. Additionally, his $8.5 million salary is not insignificant, especially for a reliever.

It is true that Yates is not the same pitcher he was in 2019, but he is still a valuable asset. He has a proven track record of success, and he can still be a valuable contributor to a contending team. Additionally, his salary is not unreasonable, especially for a closer of his caliber.

Conclusion

The Dodgers are in need of bullpen help, and Kirby Yates is a proven closer who could fill that void. While there are some concerns about his age and his decline in performance in 2021, he is still a valuable asset and would be a welcome addition to the Dodgers' bullpen. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to bring back Yates is a financial one, but if the Dodgers are willing to pay his salary, he would be a valuable addition to their team.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things that the Dodgers should consider before making a decision on Yates:

• Yates's health: Yates has had some injury issues in the past, so the Dodgers will need to make sure that he is healthy before signing him.
• Yates's role: If the Dodgers do sign Yates, they will need to decide what his role will be. He could be used as a closer, a setup man, or a long reliever.
• The Dodgers' other bullpen options: The Dodgers have a few other bullpen options, including Phil Bickford, Daniel Hudson, and Alex Vesia. The Dodgers will need to decide if Yates is a better option than these other pitchers.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to bring back Kirby Yates is a complex one. The Dodgers will need to weigh all of the factors involved before making a decision.