The winter MLB offseason often brings a flurry of speculation and analysis regarding potential player acquisitions, especially as teams look to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. Among the many names being discussed, one player gaining attention is Kirby Yates, the former Texas Rangers closer. Recently, Allison Waxman of Metsmerized Online highlighted Yates as one of the top free-agent fits for the New York Mets’ bullpen in 2024. This assessment was echoed by Jackson Roberts of *The Sporting News*, who brought attention to Waxman’s suggestion, sparking further discussion on the potential impact Yates could have if he were to join the Mets.
Yates, 37, has had an intriguing and somewhat tumultuous career, but he’s demonstrated elite skills when healthy. He made a name for himself as one of the game’s most dominant closers during his time with the San Diego Padres. From 2018 to 2020, Yates was a fixture in the Padres’ bullpen, earning an All-Star selection in 2019, and showcasing his ability to close games with a deadly combination of velocity and command. His fastball, typically sitting in the mid-to-upper 90s, coupled with a slider that broke sharply, made him a nightmare for opposing batters. In that 2019 All-Star season, he posted a remarkable 1.19 ERA and saved 41 games, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top closers.
However, injuries have been a major hurdle for Yates in recent years. After the 2020 season, he required Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for much of the next two years. When he returned to the mound in 2023, it was with the Texas Rangers, where he had a more limited role. Despite the injury setbacks, Yates showed flashes of his old form, including a few key appearances that displayed his resilience and ability to still get outs in high-leverage situations. His strikeout rates remained solid, though his ERA didn’t fully reflect the effectiveness he showed in spurts.
Looking at the Mets, their bullpen has been one of their more inconsistent areas in recent seasons. While the Mets have a strong rotation, their relief corps has often left much to be desired, especially when it comes to the later innings. In 2023, their bullpen ranked 18th in MLB in ERA and struggled to consistently lock down games. The Mets have been linked to various free-agent relievers, and Yates’ name has come up as a potential fit due to his experience, ability to close games, and the possibility of regaining his previous dominant form.
For the Mets, bringing in Yates could be a savvy move if they are looking for a proven veteran who can provide stability and depth to their bullpen. His previous success as a closer would allow the Mets to potentially slot him into the late innings or as a set-up man, depending on the needs of the bullpen. Given that Yates is coming off a season where he showed flashes of his former self, the Mets could view him as a high-reward, low-risk addition, particularly if they can bring him on a short-term or incentive-laden contract.
Furthermore, the Mets have a strong player development system, and working with their pitching coaches might allow Yates to further refine his craft and regain his confidence after the injury setbacks. If the Mets’ medical and performance teams can keep Yates healthy and fresh, he could be a valuable asset in their bullpen, helping to bridge the gap to their star closer and fortifying the team’s pitching depth.
In conclusion, Kirby Yates’ potential fit with the New York Mets is an intriguing proposition. While he may not be the dominant force he once was, his pedigree, experience, and flashes of his old form make him a worthy candidate for a Mets team looking to upgrade their bullpen for the 2024 season. Should the Mets sign Yates, they would be adding a potential weapon in their relief corps, one that could provide value in the most crucial moments of the season.
