LOS ANGELES, Dec. 30, 2025 — Veteran reliever Kirby Yates, fresh off a challenging season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has officially signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2026 season, according to multiple reports. The deal, reportedly valued at approximately $5 million, keeps Yates in Southern California but swaps one Los Angeles ballclub for another, a move that has already sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Yates’ arrival in Anaheim comes after an up-and-down season with the Dodgers, where injuries and inconsistency hampered his effectiveness. The 38-year-old posted a 5.23 ERA over 50 appearances in 2025 and did not pitch in the postseason, despite being part of the Dodgers’ World Series-winning roster. His performance raised questions about whether he still had the ability to contribute in high-leverage situations, leaving many to wonder if any team would take a chance on him this offseason.
The Dodgers had signed Yates to a one-year, $13 million contract heading into 2025, expecting the veteran reliever to provide stability in the late innings as part of their championship push. However, a combination of age, injuries, and uneven performance prevented Yates from meeting expectations. While the team ultimately captured the World Series, Yates’ inability to participate in the postseason spotlighted his declining role.
For the Angels, who have long sought reliable pitching options, Yates represents a low-cost gamble with potential upside. Anaheim’s offseason strategy has leaned toward veteran reclamation projects, exemplified by recent acquisitions such as Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz. Adding Yates fits that pattern, offering a potential boost to a bullpen that has struggled with consistency in recent years.
Despite the opportunity, skeptics point to Yates’ declining velocity and performance trends as reasons for concern. His best seasons are now behind him, and there is no guarantee that he can regain his former effectiveness. Still, some analysts suggest that a change of scenery, coupled with a lower-pressure role, could allow the reliever to rediscover some of his All-Star form.
Responses to the signing have been mixed. Dodgers fans largely dismissed the move, viewing Yates as a declining veteran whose departure does not significantly weaken the team. Angels supporters, on the other hand, expressed cautious optimism, hoping that Yates can provide a late-inning spark for a team still in rebuild mode. Meanwhile, commentators continue to debate whether Anaheim should have allocated resources toward a starting pitcher or impact hitter instead of a veteran reliever with recent struggles.
Analysts have noted that the deal is emblematic of broader team-building strategies in Major League Baseball. Low-cost veteran signings can fill immediate needs without committing long-term resources, but they also carry the risk of limited performance and missed opportunities elsewhere on the roster.
For the Dodgers, losing Yates is unlikely to affect their competitiveness significantly. The bullpen has been reinforced with younger arms and key signings such as Edwin Díaz, leaving Los Angeles well-positioned for the 2026 season. However, the optics of a veteran leaving for a cross-town rival add intrigue to the Southland rivalry, a storyline likely to draw fan attention throughout the season.
For the Angels, the signing could be a calculated risk. If Yates regains effectiveness, he could become a key piece in a bullpen that has struggled to close out games. Conversely, continued struggles or injuries could make the move a symbolic gesture rather than a transformative addition, highlighting the challenges Anaheim faces in solidifying its roster.
As spring training approaches, both teams will continue to finalize rosters and evaluate their pitching options. The Dodgers remain a contender, while the Angels look to leverage low-risk signings like Yates to generate momentum.
Kirby Yates’ move to the Angels is a story that combines veteran perseverance, team strategy, and local rivalry. It raises important questions about how teams balance experience with potential, cost with performance, and short-term gains with long-term planning. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 2026 season unfolds to see whether this gamble pays off.
Leave a Reply