Kirby Yates

Right-hander Kirby Yates is one of the better relievers available in free agency. The Cubs have already been connected to him in rumors and now Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports that the Tigers can be added to the list. Yates, 38 in March, just wrapped up an excellent season with the Rangers. He tossed…

Right-hander Kirby Yates is one of the better relievers available in free agency. The Cubs have already been connected to him in rumors and now Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports that the Tigers can be added to the list. Yates, 38 in March, just wrapped up an excellent season with the Rangers. He tossed…

The oft-injured reliever had pitched just 11 1/3 total MLB innings between 2020 and 2022 but has thrown at least 60 innings in each of the last two seasons. While his 2023 season in Atlanta was good, his 2024 in Texas was great, earning an All-Star bid while registering 33 saves and pitching to a 1.17 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Even though the Tigers got a good season out of closer Jason Foley, Foley was also removed from the role at times throughout the season, so Yates would give them another dependable option at the end of games.