There’s not much difference between the Los Angeles Dodgers and “The Avengers” from “Endgame” these days, as the team continues to assemble its superstar roster.
After signing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal over the weekend, the Dodgers weren’t finished. According to USA Today’s MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the team has reached a “tentative agreement” with two-time All-Star reliever Kirby Yates.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have folks screaming about their payroll, have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates, pending a physical. The deal comes on the heels of signing Tanner Scott to a 4-year, $72 million contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Kirby Yates

In his lone season with the Texas Rangers in 2024, Yates dominated out of the bullpen. He appeared in 61 games, posting a 1.17 ERA and a 340 ERA+ (indicating he was 240% better than the league-average pitcher). He recorded 33 saves and struck out 85 batters in 61â…” innings.
Related: Los Angeles Dodgers Explored Emergency Option If Tanner Scott Talks Collapsed
The Dodgers will be Yates’ seventh team as he enters his 11th MLB season. Over his career, Yates has posted a 3.17 ERA in 422 games, with a 130 ERA+, 95 saves, and an impressive strikeout rate of 12.5 batters per nine innings.
Nightengale revealed the Yates signing was partially motivated by an injury to Michael Kopech, who is expected to miss the first month of the 2025 season.
The Dodgers, who will have a payroll exceeding $380 million, wanted more bullpen depth with reliever Michael Kopech expected to possibly miss the first month of the season. https://t.co/ih7PGRbZHI
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
With these latest moves, the Dodgers’ payroll will exceed $380 million for the 2025 season, standing far above any other team in baseball.