Kirby Yates

Kirby Yates Bio

Kirby Kali Yates is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Born on March 25, 1987, in Lihue, Hawaii, he has built a distinguished career in Major League Baseball spanning over a decade. Yates made his MLB debut in 2014 and has played for numerous teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He has earned recognition as a two-time All-Star and led the National League in saves during the 2019 season. Yates showcases exceptional skills as a relief pitcher and continues to pursue his career in professional baseball.

Early Life and Background

Kirby Yates grew up in Lihue, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. He attended Kauai High School, where he developed his pitching skills as a standout athlete. His passion for baseball was evident from an early age, and he demonstrated significant talent on the mound during his high school years. Yates was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 26th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft out of Kauai High School but did not sign, choosing instead to pursue higher education.

After high school, Yates enrolled at Yavapai College to continue his baseball development. However, his collegiate career faced a major setback when he missed both the 2006 and 2007 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. This early adversity would shape his resilience and work ethic throughout his professional career. Despite the injury, Yates remained committed to his dream of reaching the majors.

Path to Professional Baseball

Following his time at Yavapai College, Yates went undrafted in the 2009 MLB draft. He signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent on June 22, 2009, and began his professional career with the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League. This opportunity marked the beginning of his journey through the minor leagues, where he would need to prove himself at every level.

Yates steadily climbed the minor league ladder, playing for various affiliates within the Rays organization. He spent time with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Charlotte Stone Crabs, and Montgomery Biscuits. In 2012 with Montgomery, he posted a remarkable 2.65 ERA and recorded 94 strikeouts in 68 innings over 50 games. His performance earned him recognition as the Triple-A All-Star in 2013 with the Durham Bulls, where he recorded a 1.90 ERA in 51 games and was named the Rays organizations Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year with 16 saves. Yates added another impressive season in 2013 with Durham, further establishing himself as a promising relief pitcher.

Kirby Yates Career

Tampa Bay Rays (2014-2015)

Yates was added to the Rays 40-man roster on November 20, 2013, and continued his development with Durham to start 2014. He was called up to the majors for the first time on June 7, 2014, and made his debut that same day, pitching 1 and one-third scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners with two strikeouts. In 37 games during his rookie season, he posted an ERA of 3.75 in 36 innings, striking out 42 batters. The following season proved more challenging as he struggled with a 7.97 ERA in 20 and one-third innings for the major league club. The Rays designated Yates for assignment after the 2015 season, ending his tenure with the organization.

New York Yankees (2016)

On November 25, 2015, the Rays traded Yates to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. He was subsequently traded to the New York Yankees in January 2016. Yates made the Yankees Opening Day roster in 2016 and pitched in relief for most of the season. He was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 28 but was recalled on August 17. In 41 games for the Yankees, he posted an ERA of 5.23 and recorded 50 strikeouts in 41 and one-third innings.

Los Angeles Angels (2017)

After the 2016 season, the Los Angeles Angels claimed Yates from the Yankees on waivers. He was designated for assignment on April 2, 2017, after failing to secure a spot in the Angels bullpen during spring training and was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. After six games in the minors, Yates made his Angels debut as a reliever on April 22 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He was designated for assignment the following day, but his time with the Angels would prove to be brief as he continued to search for a permanent role.

San Diego Padres Breakthrough (2017-2020)

On April 26, 2017, Yates was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres, and this move proved to be a turning point in his career. He excelled in relief for the Padres, striking out 87 batters in 55 and two-thirds innings and going 4-5 with a 3.72 ERA in 61 games. Yates credited his success to the development of a split-finger fastball during spring training, which he began throwing more often with the Padres. In 2018, he began the season as the setup man to closer Brad Hand. Following the trade of Hand at the deadline, Yates took over the closer role and ended the season with a career-low 2.14 ERA in 65 appearances, converting 12 of 13 save opportunities with 90 strikeouts in 63 innings. He was selected to represent Major League Baseball at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series following the season.

The 2019 season represented the peak of Yates career thus far. He was selected as the Padres sole representative at the All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection. For the season, he led all major league pitchers in saves with 41, while also recording a 1.19 ERA and striking out 101 batters in 60 and two-thirds innings. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the 2019 All-MLB Team. The following season was cut short by the pandemic and injury, as Yates made only six appearances, allowing six runs in 4 and one-third innings before being shut down because of bone chips in his elbow.

Atlanta Braves (2022-2023)

On November 29, 2021, Yates signed a two-year, $8.25 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. On July 16, 2022, he pitched a perfect inning in the Florida Complex League, his first game at any level since August 2020. Yates was activated off the injured list on August 10 and appeared in nine games at the end of the season, allowing four runs in seven innings. In 2023, his first full season since 2019, he pitched 60 and one-third innings over 60 games, allowing 22 runs for a 3.28 ERA. This successful season helped restore his value as a reliable relief option. On November 6, 2023, the Braves declined the option on Yates contract for the 2024 season, making him a free agent.

Texas Rangers (2024)

On December 6, 2023, Yates signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers. He delivered an outstanding season, appearing in 61 games and allowing only eight earned runs in 61 and two-thirds innings for a remarkable 1.17 ERA. He recorded 85 strikeouts and converted 33 of 34 save opportunities. His exceptional performance earned him his second career All-Star selection, further cementing his reputation as one of the premier closers in baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2025)

On January 30, 2025, Yates signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched in 50 games for the Dodgers, recording a 4-3 record with a 5.23 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 41 and one-third innings. The Dodgers gradually reduced his role as the season progressed, using him primarily in blowout situations. They ended his season by placing him on the injured list on September 24, 2025. Following the season, Yates became a free agent as he continued his journey through Major League Baseball.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Yates has established himself as a power reliever known for his ability to generate strikeouts and close games effectively. His signature pitch has been his split-finger fastball, which he developed while with the San Diego Padres and credited as a key factor in his breakout success. He has demonstrated the ability to pitch in high-pressure situations, converting a high percentage of save opportunities throughout his career. His strikeout ability has been his most consistent tool, recording over 600 strikeouts in his major league career while maintaining a solid ERA across multiple teams and roles.

Notable Events and Milestones

Yates career highlights include leading the National League in saves during the 2019 season with 41, earning his first All-Star selection that same year. He was named to the All-MLB First Team in 2019, recognizing him as one of the top relief pitchers in all of baseball. His 2024 season with the Texas Rangers marked another milestone, as he earned his second All-Star selection and recorded 33 saves with an exceptional 1.17 ERA. With 99 career saves across his major league tenure, Yates has proven himself as a reliable closer capable of handling late-inning pressure in crucial moments.

Kirby Yates Career Wins

Throughout his MLB career, Yates has accumulated impressive statistics across multiple teams. His career win-loss record stands at 30-27 with a 3.36 ERA and 647 strikeouts. He has recorded 99 career saves, with his most prolific season coming in 2019 when he led the majors with 41 saves while maintaining a 1.19 ERA.

San Diego Padres Highlights

Yates time with the San Diego Padres represented the most successful stretch of his career. He served as the teams closer from late 2018 through 2020, accumulating 53 saves across those seasons. His 2019 campaign was particularly exceptional, as he led all major league pitchers with 41 saves while posting a microscopic 1.19 ERA and striking out 101 batters in just 60 and two-thirds innings. This performance positioned him among the elite relievers in baseball and earned him his first All-Star selection and All-MLB First Team honors.

Texas Rangers Highlights

Yates 2024 season with the Texas Rangers demonstrated his continued effectiveness as a closer. He recorded 33 saves in 34 opportunities while posting a 1.17 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 61 and two-thirds innings. This performance earned him his second All-Star selection and solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable closers in the game. His ability to convert high-pressure save opportunities made him a valuable asset for the Rangers bullpen.

Kirby Yates Family

Family Background and Baseball Lineage

Kirby Yates comes from a baseball family. His brother, Tyler Yates, also played in Major League Baseball, reaching the majors with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. Tyler has since transitioned to a career in law enforcement and serves as a police officer in Kauai. Growing up together in Hawaii, the Yates brothers shared a passion for baseball that led both to professional careers in the sport.

Personal Life

Yates married his long-time girlfriend Ashlee on January 2, 2016. Ashlee owns a business called Homerun Sitters LLC, which places sitters with professional athlete families. The couple has built their life together while managing the demands of a professional baseball career. Outside of baseball, Yates enjoys surfing and golfing, activities that connect him to his Hawaiian roots and provide balance during the long MLB season.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Yates career as he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $13 million contract. He appeared in 50 games, recording a 4-3 record with a 5.23 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 41 and one-third innings. Despite the initial optimism surrounding his signing, his performance did not meet expectations as the season progressed. The Dodgers gradually limited his role, using him primarily in games where the outcome was already decided. The team placed him on the injured list on September 24, effectively ending his season. Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Yates became a free agent as he looked to continue his major league career with a new organization.