The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again showing their power and their money. The franchise, in the midst of the biggest spending spree for a defending World Series champion in 25 years, appears to continue adding to its basket and is in serious discussions with free agent reliever Kirby Yates, a league source said . Athletics.
Any agreement would depend on the successful completion of a medical examination. USA Today first reported the serious talks between the two sides on Tuesday morning.
The signing of Yates, 37, would be the second major move the Dodgers have made in their bullpen in recent days after landing Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract on Sunday. Yates, who had a 1.17 ERA in 61 appearances for the Texas Rangers last season, served as Scott’s contingency plan, as the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday. But after landing their top offseason relief target in Scott, it appears the Dodgers have pursued their interest in the 10-year big league veteran anyway.
Yates’ peripherals appeared just as impressive last season, with a 2.50 FIP and a fastball that remained among the most efficient in the sport despite averaging just 93.2 mph, according to Statcast. If a deal were finalized, Yates on paper would have to pose a champagne problem for the Dodgers: too many good relievers to choose from.
As it stands, almost the entire Dodgers bullpen on paper cannot be moved to the minor leagues (Alex Vesia, the only one with an option remaining, was one of the best relievers in baseball last season). With the Dodgers having a six-man starting rotation next season, that means virtually no flexibility with their pitching staff.
But given the workload the Dodgers’ bullpen endured a year ago – ranking fifth in innings pitched during the regular season and heavily used for bullpen games throughout of their successful run in October – perhaps additional insurance policies are needed. Brusdar Graterol has already undergone shoulder surgery and is expected to be out until at least mid-season. Vesia had to miss the National League Championship Series due to an intercostal injury. Evan Phillips was left off the World Series roster at the last minute because he could no longer pitch due to a shoulder problem. Michael Kopech had a forearm issue throughout the playoffs, league sources said, but it wasn’t seen as something he couldn’t fix.
It’s a conundrum that still needs to be resolved, especially if Yates’ deal becomes official. But after an extended season that began last March and ended in late October, and with an abbreviated offseason due to another early departure (the Dodgers open in March in Tokyo), the Dodgers need bodies. A year ago, they took one of the most effective relievers in baseball.
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