What Happened to Kirby Kali Yates?
Kirby Yates is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his dominant closing performances, particularly during his 2019 All-Star season with the San Diego Padres and a remarkable 2024 All-Star comeback with the Texas Rangers. Despite a career marked by significant injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries, Yates has consistently returned to pitch at the Major League level, currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels as of July 2026.
Quick Answer
Kirby Yates is currently a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, having signed a one-year, $5 million contract in January 2026. After missing the start of the 2026 season due to left knee inflammation, he was activated from the injured list in May 2026. As of July 18, 2026, Yates has appeared in 24 games for the Angels, recording a 3.00 ERA and 3 saves, though he recently suffered his third blown save of the season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Boston Red Sox
Kirby Yates was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 26th round of the MLB Draft out of Kauai High School, but did not sign.
Signed by Tampa Bay Rays
After going undrafted in 2009, Yates signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent.
MLB Debut with Tampa Bay Rays
Yates made his Major League Baseball debut for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Claimed off Waivers by San Diego Padres
After stints with the Yankees and Angels, Yates was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres, where he would later find significant success.
All-Star Season, MLB Saves Leader
Yates had a career-best season with the Padres, earning his first All-Star selection and leading MLB with 41 saves, posting a 1.19 ERA.
Undergoes Second Tommy John Surgery
After signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, Yates underwent his second Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season.
Signs with Atlanta Braves
Yates signed a two-year, $8.25 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, aiming for a comeback after his surgery.
Signs with Texas Rangers
Yates signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers, where he would have a remarkable bounce-back season.
Second All-Star Selection with Rangers
Yates had a dominant 2024 season, earning his second All-Star nod with a 1.17 ERA and 33 saves for the Texas Rangers.
Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers
Following his impressive 2024, Yates signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Wins World Series with Dodgers, but struggles
Yates pitched in 50 games for the Dodgers with a 5.23 ERA and three saves, making three trips to the injured list, but earned a World Series ring.
Signs with Los Angeles Angels
Yates signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2026 season.
Activated from Injured List
After missing the start of the season with left knee inflammation and completing a rehab assignment, Yates was activated by the Angels.
Suffers Third Blown Save of 2026 Season
Yates suffered his third blown save of the 2026 season, giving up two runs against the Detroit Tigers. He has a 3.00 ERA and 3 saves in 24 appearances for the Angels.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kirby Kali Yates, born on March 25, 1987, embarked on his professional baseball journey after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2005 and later signing with the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent in 2009. His early career saw him bounce between several organizations, including the Rays, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels, before finding a consistent role.
Yates truly emerged as one of baseball's elite closers during his tenure with the San Diego Padres. In 2019, he earned his first All-Star selection, led all major league pitchers with 41 saves, and posted a stellar 1.19 ERA, striking out 101 batters in 60.2 innings. This dominant performance earned him a spot on the All-MLB First Team.
However, the peak of his career was soon followed by significant injury setbacks. In 2020, he underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow, limiting his appearances. The following year, in March 2021, Yates underwent his second Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season. He signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in November 2021, making a limited return in 2022 and pitching a full season in 2023.
In 2024, Yates experienced a remarkable resurgence with the Texas Rangers, signing a one-year, $4.5 million contract. He was named to his second career All-Star team, recording 33 saves with an outstanding 1.17 ERA over 61.2 innings, along with 85 strikeouts. This performance was considered one of the best by a reliever in the league that year.
Following his successful 2024 campaign, Yates signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2025 season. While he pitched in 50 games, going 4-3 with three saves and 52 strikeouts, his ERA rose to 5.23, and he made three trips to the injured list. Despite his personal struggles, he earned a World Series ring with the Dodgers, though he did not appear in the postseason.
As of 2026, Yates is with the Los Angeles Angels, having signed a one-year, $5 million contract on January 6, 2026. He began the season on the injured list due to left knee inflammation, which he sustained late in Spring Training. After a rehab assignment, he was activated on May 5, 2026. Currently, as of July 18, 2026, Yates has appeared in 24 games for the Angels, holding a 3.00 ERA with 3 saves, but recently suffered his third blown save of the season against the Detroit Tigers.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kirby Kali Yates made different choices?