Kirby Yates – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Kirby Yates has carved out a spot as one of baseball’s top relief pitchers, now showing what he can do with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with the Dodgers, and he can add up to $100,000 more in performance bonuses. His net worth sits around $21.8 million, and honestly, it’s been a long road—he’s battled through plenty of setbacks to become one of the most trusted arms in the big leagues.

Yates’ journey through pro baseball is a real story of sticking with it. After he joined the Atlanta Braves on a two-year, $8.25 million deal in November 2021, he fought his way back from injuries and put up solid numbers. The Dodgers took notice and didn’t hesitate to invest in him for their bullpen.

Growing up in Hawaii, Yates worked his way from undrafted free agent to elite closer. His annual salary now stands at $13 million, but it wasn’t always this way. He earned every dollar by proving himself over and over, especially with the San Diego Padres, where he became an All-Star closer and really made his mark.

Early Life and Background

Kirby Kali Yates was born on March 25, 1987, in Lihue, Hawaii, and grew up in Koloa on Kauai. That island upbringing shaped his love for the game and set him on the path to the majors, even if it meant doing things a bit differently.

Family Origins

Kirby comes from a family that loves baseball and has deep Hawaiian roots. His older brother, Tyler Yates, pitched in the majors too, so baseball was kind of in the blood. Having Tyler around gave Kirby a mentor and someone to look up to right from the start.

Living in Hawaii meant Kirby didn’t have the same exposure to mainland baseball culture, but maybe that helped build his grit. Island life taught him to adapt and push through, qualities he’d need later on.

The Yates family backed Kirby’s baseball dreams from day one, making sacrifices and traveling to games, always in his corner.

Education and Amateur Baseball

Kirby went to Kauai High School and started to stand out as a ballplayer. He wasn’t a big-name recruit, but anyone who watched him knew he had something.

Instead of jumping straight to a big college, Yates chose Yavapai Junior College in Arizona. That move turned out to be a game-changer. At Yavapai, he got real experience against tough competition and honed his skills.

He caught the eye of some scouts while there, sharpening his pitching and showing flashes of what he could become. He wasn’t a top prospect yet, but he was moving in the right direction.

Early Baseball Influences

A handful of coaches and mentors really helped shape Kirby’s approach. His brother Tyler’s experience in the majors gave him a window into what it takes to get there.

Yates watched and learned from relievers who didn’t fit the typical mold. Standing 5’10”, he wasn’t the biggest guy on the mound, so he focused on outsmarting hitters.

The Boston Red Sox took a shot on him in the 26th round of the 2005 draft, which was a confidence boost, even though he didn’t sign at the time.

He didn’t rack up awards early on, but he built a work ethic that would carry him through all the tough breaks ahead.

MLB Career Overview

Kirby Yates has put together a gritty career in Major League Baseball, finding ways to bounce back and earn respect as a late-inning reliever. His story isn’t about overnight success—it’s about grinding it out through ups and downs across several teams.

Initial Entry into Major League Baseball

Yates started his pro journey after the Red Sox drafted him in the 26th round in 2005. He didn’t sign right away, so he had to take the long road through the minors.

He finally made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014 at age 27, which is pretty late for a rookie. He’d spent years in the minors, working on his splitter and just trying to get a shot.

Those first few seasons were rough. He had flashes of brilliance, but command issues kept him from locking down a role. It wasn’t easy, but he kept at it.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Things clicked for Yates with the San Diego Padres. In 2018, he broke out with a 2.14 ERA and 12.9 strikeouts per nine—pretty eye-popping numbers.

Then in 2019, he hit his peak: 41 saves, a 1.19 ERA, and a trip to the All-Star Game. That year, nobody wanted to face him late in games.

His splitter was the difference-maker. Hitters just couldn’t square it up, and when he was on, he made some of the best look lost at the plate.

Team Transitions

Yates’s career has been all about adapting. After the Rays, he had short stays with the Yankees and Angels before really finding his groove with the Padres.

He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, but Tommy John surgery wiped out his season before he could even throw a pitch for them.

After that, he landed with the Atlanta Braves in 2022, working hard to get back to his old self. By 2023, he was healthy enough to pitch in big spots again. Now, he’s with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $13 million contract, and teams still trust him to get the job done, injuries and all.

Pitching Style and Physical Attributes

Kirby Yates stands out for his deceptive movement and smart pitch selection. His physical tools and training have helped him carve out a long career as a relief pitcher in the majors.

Pitch Repertoire and Strengths

Yates leans heavily on a nasty split-finger fastball—his bread and butter. It usually sits in the mid-80s and drops off the table, fooling hitters left and right. He pairs it with a four-seam fastball in the mid-90s, which keeps batters guessing.

The Hawaii native, known as “Chubbs Senior,” turned his career around by perfecting that splitter. Before he had it working, he struggled to stick in the big leagues.

His command took a big step forward during his All-Star run with the Padres, and he started racking up strikeouts while keeping the walks down.

Role as a Pitcher

Yates has mostly pitched in late-inning relief, thriving when the pressure’s highest. He’s closed games and set up for others, showing he can handle whatever the bullpen needs.

He racks up strikeouts, which is huge when runners are on and every pitch matters. At his best, he’s been one of the toughest relievers to hit.

After signing a one-year, $13 million deal with the Dodgers, he’s back to pitching in those tight, late-game spots. His time with teams like the Rays and Braves helped him adjust to different hitters and situations.

Physical Conditioning and Training

Yates isn’t the tallest pitcher out there, but he’s stayed in shape and kept himself ready, even after injuries. Tommy John surgery tested his durability, but he found ways to bounce back.

He’s worked closely with pitching coaches, using his lower body to generate power and get the most out of his frame.

Born in 1987, Yates has managed to stick around in a role that chews up arms. Credit that to a smart conditioning routine and tweaks to his mechanics that help take some stress off his arm.

His workouts focus on flexibility and core strength, which help him repeat his delivery and stay sharp all season.

Key Highlights and Accomplishments

Kirby Yates has built his reputation as one of the game’s top relievers by putting up numbers and coming through in big moments. He’s got multiple All-Star nods and has been a force in the playoffs.

Statistical Milestones

Yates hit his stride in 2019, earning his first All-Star selection with the Padres. He kept it rolling into the 2020s, and after joining the Dodgers, he picked up a second All-Star spot in 2024.

In 2023, he put up a ridiculous 1.17 ERA over 61⅔ innings, striking out 85 and walking just 27. That kind of efficiency put him among the best relievers in baseball.

Yates stands out for his pitch control and knack for getting whiffs when it matters. Those stats helped him land that $13 million deal with the Dodgers.

World Series Champion and Postseason Performances

Yates has delivered in the postseason, stepping up in high-leverage spots. He’s been a steady hand for the Dodgers when the games mean the most.

His experience has brought some calm to the bullpen during tense playoff matchups. That splitter of his, paired with his cool under pressure, makes him a nightmare for hitters in October.

The Dodgers signed him because they wanted someone proven in big games. At 37, Yates keeps showing he’s still got it when the stakes are highest.

Injury History and Recovery

Kirby Yates has had his share of injury setbacks, but he keeps finding ways to bounce back. His ability to fight through adversity has become a big part of his story.

Tommy John Surgery

In 2021, Yates faced a major hurdle with Tommy John surgery. After signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Blue Jays, he started feeling elbow discomfort in spring training. What looked minor turned out to be a UCL tear, and he needed surgery.

The timing couldn’t have been much worse. He was coming off his All-Star year with the Padres and had just established himself as one of the top closers in baseball.

That surgery knocked him out for the entire 2021 season, and at 34, nobody really knew if he’d make it back.

Rehabilitation and Comeback

Yates threw himself into rehab with the same fire that made him an elite closer in the first place. For about 14 months, he pushed through a tough recovery, leaning on serious discipline—both physical and mental—to get back to form.

He finally returned to the mound in 2022 with the Atlanta Braves. It didn’t click right away; fans didn’t see the dominant Yates of old. But as the season went on, his velocity crept up, and his command sharpened.

By 2023, he’d made even more progress, and in 2024, the Texas Rangers offered him a $4.5 million contract. He showed he still had plenty left in the tank.

Then, in a real high point, the Los Angeles Dodgers handed him a one-year, $13 million contract for 2025. That move pretty much confirmed that the baseball world believed in his comeback, injuries and all.

Major Contracts and Salary Progression

Kirby Yates has seen his finances change dramatically over his MLB career. He started out with modest paychecks, but as his reputation as a reliable reliever grew, so did his contracts.

Contract Negotiations

Yates didn’t become a big earner overnight. The Boston Red Sox drafted him in the 26th round back in 2005, and for a while, he bounced around different organizations. Everything shifted after his breakout season with the Padres in 2019—he went from journeyman to hot commodity.

Most recently, in January 2025, he signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Dodgers. For a 37-year-old reliever, that’s a pretty loud vote of confidence from the front office.

The Dodgers moved fast on Yates, and both sides seemed eager to get the deal done.

Salary History with MLB Teams

Yates’ salary progression really tells the story of his career:

Early Career (2014-2017)

• Tampa Bay Rays (2014): League minimum
• New York Yankees (2016): League minimum
• San Diego Padres (2017): About $545,000

Breakout Years (2018-2020)

• San Diego Padres (2018-2019): Between $1.0 and $3.1 million
• Toronto Blue Jays (2020): $5.5 million (though injuries cut that year short)

Recent Contracts

• Atlanta Braves (2022-2023): Varied salary structures
• Texas Rangers (2024): $4-6 million range
• Los Angeles Dodgers (2025): $13 million guaranteed

His current net worth is estimated at $21,891,495, which reflects a solid career across several teams.

Luxury Tax Implications

The Dodgers’ $13 million deal for Yates in 2025 definitely impacts their luxury tax situation. They’re one of the league’s big spenders, so every dollar over the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold gets more expensive.

With Yates on a one-year contract, the Dodgers keep some flexibility. They often prefer short-term, high-AAV deals for relievers, especially with veterans like Yates.

For a team already above the first luxury tax threshold, every extra dollar spent on Yates costs more because of penalty rates. Still, the Dodgers clearly thought his bullpen upside was worth it.

Yates also benefits from the deal’s structure—if he has a strong season, he can hit free agency again in 2026.

Net Worth and Financial Insights

Kirby Yates has built up some serious wealth during his time in pro baseball. His earnings reflect just how valuable he’s been as a late-inning reliever.

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2023, Kirby Yates’ net worth is estimated at $5 million, though some sources put it higher. Salary Sport says his career earnings could be around $21.89 million.

He’s earned this over stints with the Rays, Padres, Blue Jays, Braves, and Rangers.

Yates’ financial situation really took off after he became a top closer with the Padres.

Sources of Income

Most of Yates’ income comes straight from his baseball contracts. His latest deal with the Dodgers pays him $13 million for one year, which is a big jump from what he made earlier in his career.

Before joining LA, he signed a two-year, $8.25 million deal with the Braves, then moved to the Rangers.

His earnings really spiked after his All-Star season in 2019, when he joined the ranks of elite closers.

He’s likely picked up extra money from performance bonuses and playoff shares along the way.

Endorsements and Investments

There aren’t a lot of public details about Yates’ endorsements, but as a pro athlete, he probably has some deals with equipment companies and maybe a few other brands.

Guys at Yates’ level often endorse baseball gear, apparel, or lifestyle stuff that fits their image.

Nobody’s really sure about his investments, but most pros work with advisors to spread their wealth—real estate, stocks, bonds, you name it.

Given his roots in Lihue, HI, it wouldn’t be shocking if he has some investments back home, though that’s just speculation.

A lot of players also get involved in business ventures or startups, especially as they think about life after baseball.

Comparisons with Other MLB Pitchers

Kirby Yates’ career stands out among MLB relievers, both for his contract numbers and his performance. When you stack him up against other late-inning arms, the differences—and similarities—are pretty interesting.

Contracts of Peers

Looking at Yates’ 2025 salary of $6,000,000, it’s a solid figure for a reliever. His one-year, $13 million deal with the Dodgers put him among the higher-paid bullpen arms, though not quite at the absolute top.

Tanner Scott landed a bigger deal with the Marlins, which shows how much teams value lefty specialists. Joe Ross, who’s bounced between starting and relieving, usually gets less per year but sometimes more security.

The reliever market is all over the place compared to position players like Mike Trout or Mookie Betts, whose contracts are just on another planet, or Juan Soto, who seems set to keep climbing.

Performance Benchmarks

Yates’ career stats hold up well against other top relievers:

Pitcher	Career ERA	K/9	Save %	WAR
Kirby Yates	3.54	11.2	83%	6.9
Tanner Scott	4.12	12.1	78%	4.2
Michael Kopech	3.95	10.8	71%	3.8

His 2019 All-Star season still stands as his best, and honestly, he outperformed almost every other reliever in baseball that year. His strikeout numbers and WHIP even beat some top starters like Michael Kopech.

Sure, injuries have slowed him down at times, but when he’s healthy, his numbers are tough to beat. He keeps hitters off balance and racks up strikeouts, which is exactly what teams want in the late innings.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Off the field, Kirby Yates keeps things grounded. He’s all about family and giving back to the communities that have supported him, especially back home in Hawaii.

Family and Personal Interests

Born March 25, 1987, in Lihue, Hawaii, Yates never lost touch with his island background. Around the clubhouse, teammates call him “Chubbs Senior”—a sign of his easygoing, fun side. He’s a family guy, juggling baseball’s demands with life at home.

His brother, Tyler Yates, also pitched in the majors from 2004 to 2009, so baseball runs deep in the family.

When the season ends, Yates usually heads back to Hawaii. He loves fishing, golfing, and just hanging out with loved ones. That laid-back vibe seems to balance out the intensity of his pro career.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Yates really cares about giving back, especially when it comes to his home state of Hawaii. You’ll often find him at youth baseball clinics on the islands, where he shares tips and stories with kids who dream about playing ball just like he does.

After he made it in the majors, Yates set up scholarship programs for student-athletes from Hawaii. He wanted to help them chase both their academic and athletic goals—even if that meant heading far from home.

While playing for teams like the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves, he jumped right into team charity events. He didn’t just show up—he got involved and made it count.

His foundation puts real energy into helping underprivileged youth in Hawaii and in the cities where he’s played. It’s not just about sports, either; he really pushes for education and athletics as keys to a better future.