Angels Roll the Dice on Veteran Closer Kirby Yates: A Comeback Story in Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels added a familiar face to their bullpen Tuesday,agreeing to a one-year,$5 million deal with right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates. This move signals a calculated gamble by the Angels,betting on the potential resurgence of a once-dominant closer. But for Yates, it’s more than just a new team; it’s a chance to reclaim his place among baseball’s elite.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Yates’ journey is far from conventional. Undrafted out of Yavapai Collage, his path was marked by setbacks – two Tommy John surgeries and years spent bouncing between organizations.He didn’t debut until age 27, a relatively late start for a major league pitcher. Yet, he persevered.
Then, at 32, everything changed. In 2019 with the San Diego Padres, yates exploded onto the scene, leading MLB with 41 saves and posting a stellar 1.19 ERA. This performance earned him his first All-Star selection and redefined expectations for his career.
however, the ascent was short-lived. Bone chips and further surgery limited him to just 15 appearances over the next three seasons. Most careers would have ended there, quietly fading away. But Yates refused to accept that fate.
From Rangers Resurgence to Dodgers Role player
He resurfaced with the Atlanta Braves in 2023, then enjoyed a remarkable comeback year with the Texas Rangers in 2024. He earned another All-Star nod,boasting a 1.17 ERA, 85 strikeouts, and 33 saves. It was a truly inspiring resurrection, fueled by determination and a refusal to let adversity define him.
Last season with the dodgers, however, proved challenging. Despite signing a one-year, $12 million contract, Yates struggled with consistency and health, making three trips to the injured list. He finished with a 5.23 ERA and wasn’t on the playoff roster. Despite the statistical downturn,glimpses of his former brilliance remained. His 35.3% whiff rate and 29.1% strikeout rate indicated the stuff was still there.
He even earned a world Series ring as a mentor to younger pitchers,and commemorated the win with a unique tattoo.
What Yates brings to the Angels
The Angels are now hoping to unlock that potential once more. With veteran closer Kenley Jansen departing in free agency,a clear possibility exists in Anaheim. Yates, at 38, joins a bullpen mix that includes:
* Ben Joyce: Known for his high-velocity fastball.
* Robert Stephenson: A reliable option with a proven track record.
* Jordan Romano: A former closer looking to rediscover his form.
Yates brings 98 career saves and, crucially, the experience of handling high-pressure ninth-inning situations.
The key to Success: Limiting the Home Run
If Yates can address one key area – limiting home runs (he allowed nine in just over 41 innings last season) – he has a clear path to becoming the Angels’ closer. it won’t be easy, but the opportunity is there.
The Angels aren’t necessarily chasing perfection. They’re seeking players who can deliver flashes of their former selves, capitalizing on upside and experience. Yates embodies that strategy perfectly.
For the Angels, the gamble on Kirby Yates is a bet on resilience, experience, and the enduring power of a pitcher who refuses to be defined by his setbacks. It’s a move that could pay significant dividends in 2025 and beyond.
