Dodgers Continue Offseason Spending Spree with Potential Addition of Kirby Yates

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making headlines once again as they dive deeper into a spending spree that has already marked one of the most aggressive offseasons for a reigning World Series champion in recent memory. According to sources familiar with the situation, the Dodgers are in serious discussions to bring veteran reliever Kirby Yates into the fold. The news was first reported by USA Today and subsequently confirmed by The Athletic. At 37 years old, Yates has a wealth of experience in Major League Baseball, having spent a decade playing for various teams. His performance last season with the Texas Rangers was particularly noteworthy, posting a remarkable 1.17 ERA across 61 appearances. His numbers suggest that he still has plenty left in the tank, as evidenced by a commendable 2.50 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a fastball that, despite averaging 93.2 mph, ranked among the most effective in the league, according to Statcast. This makes Yates a valuable addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen, which has recently seen an influx of talent. The Dodgers recently secured Tanner Scott through a four-year, $72 million deal, marking a significant addition to their relief corps. While Yates was initially viewed as a contingency option following the Scott acquisition, the Dodgers have clearly chosen to pursue him vigorously, indicating their desire to bolster their pitching depth even further. However, this newfound depth could lead to complications. With the Dodgers expected to operate a six-man starting rotation next season, the current makeup of the bullpen presents a unique challenge. Most of the relievers on the roster lack options, meaning they cannot be sent down to the minors without clearing waivers. Alex Vesia is the sole exception, and he was one of the most effective relievers in baseball last season. This lack of flexibility could pose a problem for the team as they try to manage their pitching staff throughout the season. The Dodgers’ bullpen has already faced its share of challenges, particularly due to the heavy workload they endured last year. They finished fifth in the league in innings pitched during the regular season and were relied upon heavily during their postseason run. Several relievers faced injuries that raised concerns about their durability moving forward. Brusdar Graterol underwent shoulder surgery and is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season. Vesia's absence in the National League Championship Series due to an intercostal injury, along with Evan Phillips being left off the World Series roster due to shoulder problems, have all underscored the need for additional depth within the bullpen. As the Dodgers prepare for another grueling season that is set to kick off in March in Tokyo, the acquisition of Yates could provide the team with a much-needed cushion. If finalized, the deal would not only enhance their bullpen but also create a “champagne problem” of having too many capable arms at their disposal. For a franchise that has proven its willingness to invest heavily to maintain its competitive edge, adding a proven performer like Kirby Yates seems like a strategic move that could pay dividends in their quest for another championship.