The Los Angeles Dodgers significantly bolstered their bullpen this weekend with the acquisition of Tanner Scott, considered the top free-agent reliever available this winter.
Prior to finalizing this agreement, the Dodgers engaged in exploratory discussions with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates, as reported by Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
“While they had liked Scott since early in the offseason, they were also evaluating other relievers remaining on the free agent market, including discussions with veteran All-Star right-hander Kirby Yates, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly.” Harris writes. “Scott, however, always loomed as the top option, becoming a high-priority target within the organization after the team’s inability to land Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams in a trade.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Targeted Kirby Yates During Tanner Scott Talks
Yates’s impressive 2024 season has understandably generated significant interest among contending teams. He delivered a dominant performance for the Texas Rangers, pitching 61 2/3 innings while allowing only 1.17 earned runs per nine.
While his 11.8% walk rate was notably high, it is consistent with his career trends. Yates effectively mitigated the impact of his walks by generating an impressive 35.9% strikeout rate and inducing ground balls on 45.5% of balls in play.
His effectiveness as a high-leverage reliever was further solidified by his successful transition to the closer’s role, where he recorded 33 saves for the Rangers.
Despite his impressive 2024 season, the Dodgers its clear why they offered Scott a historic contract opting for him over Yates. His age, as he approaches his 38th birthday in March, will likely influence the length and terms of contracts offered by potential suitors.
Furthermore, Yates’s injury history presents a potential concern. He experienced a significant absence from the game between 2020 and 2022, primarily due to Tommy John surgery.
While his 2023 performance was respectable, with a 3.28 ERA, it did not fully replicate the exceptional level he achieved in 2024. His 2023 season saw a slight dip in his strikeout rate, dropping to 31.5%, while his walk rate increased to 14.6%.
These factors, including his age, injury history, and the slight regression in his 2023 performance, may influence the level of interest and the length of the contracts offered to Yates during the free agency period.