Blue Jays Predicted to Land All-Star Closer in Free Agency
Blue Jays Eyeing All-Star Closer Kirby Yates to Bolster Bullpen
The Toronto Blue Jays face a critical offseason as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign and convince superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to stay in Toronto. While the recent trade for Andrés Giménez is a step in the right direction, the Blue Jays need to address several key areas, including their bullpen.
With Jordan Romano now pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto needs a reliable closer to anchor their relief corps.Chad Green and Yimi García are capable relievers, but neither has the proven track record of a true closer.
Enter Kirby Yates.
The former Texas Rangers closer enjoyed a stellar 2024 season,racking up 33 saves with a remarkable 1.17 ERA. Yates’s devastating fastball-splitter combination baffled hitters all year, resulting in a 12.4 K/9.
FanSided’s Michael Brakebill predicts Yates will land in Toronto for the 2025 season, citing the Blue Jays’ desperate need for bullpen help and Yates’s desire for a one-year deal.
“Kirby Yates finished 2024 with 33 saves and a stellar 1.17 ERA. With a 12.4 K/9, Kirby’s fastball and splitter combo was elite, with hitters guessing all season,” Brakebill wrote. “entering his age-38 season, Yates will likely sign a one-year deal, and perhaps no team still needs bullpen help among playoff hopefuls more than the Blue Jays.”
Yates’s impressive performance in 2024, coupled with his history as a two-time All-Star, makes him an attractive target for the Blue Jays. While some may question signing a pitcher in his late 30s, Yates’s consistency and durability suggest he can continue to perform at a high level.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post projects Yates to sign a two-year, $28 million contract. This might seem like a gamble for a pitcher his age, but for a team like the Blue Jays, who are in win-now mode, the potential reward outweighs the risk.
Adding Yates to the bullpen would be a significant step towards building a contender in Toronto. With Guerrero Jr.’s future hanging in the balance, the Blue Jays need to make a statement this offseason, and signing a proven closer like Yates would send a clear message that they are serious about winning.
Blue Jays Seeking Proven Closer Yates to Solidify Bullpen
Toronto, ON - The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing veteran closer Kirby Yates as they look to bolster their bullpen for the 2025 season. After a disappointing 2024 campaign and the departure of Jordan Romano to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Blue jays are in dire need of a reliable arm to anchor their relief corps.
Yates, a two-time All-Star, enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, racking up 33 saves and a stellar 1.17 ERA. His devastating fastball-splitter combination baffled hitters throughout the season, resulting in an remarkable 12.4 K/9.
FanSided’s michael Brakebill believes Yates’s desire for a one-year deal and the Blue Jays’ desperate need for bullpen help make Toronto a likely landing spot. “Kirby Yates finished 2024 with 33 saves and a stellar 1.17 ERA. With a 12.4 K/9, Kirby’s fastball and splitter combo was elite, with hitters guessing all season,” Brakebill wrote. “Entering his age-38 season, Yates will likely sign a one-year deal, and perhaps no team still needs bullpen help among playoff hopefuls more than the Blue Jays.”
While some may question signing a pitcher in his late 30s, Yates’s consistency and durability throughout his career suggest he can continue to perform at a high level.Jon Heyman of the New York Post projects Yates to sign a two-year, $28 million contract, a gamble some might consider, but one that aligns with the Blue Jays’ win-now mentality.
Adding Yates to the bullpen would be a important step towards building a contending team in Toronto. With the future of superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. uncertain, acquiring a proven closer like Yates would demonstrate the Blue Jays’ commitment to winning and their desire to keep their franchise player in Toronto.