The case for the Texas Rangers to re-sign Kirby Yates this offseason

What good is a lead if you can not protect it?

The Texas Rangers will hope to boast a powerful offense in 2025, but such an attack will not guarantee victories unless their pitching staff can stand strong. Specifically, the bullpen must not allow games to slip away.

Closer Kirby Yates is headed towards free agency, and there is an extremely strong case for Texas to re-sign him. The righty’s strong 2024 and experience make him an asset that the Rangers should bring back for at least another season if they can.

The two-time All-Star earned a 1.17 ERA and collected 33 saves this past year. He ranked in the 100th percentile in xERA, the 98th percentile in K%, and the 95th percentile in Barrel%. Yates fooled hitters all season long with his fastball, splitter, and slider.

Such a season was especially incredible for Yates since he did not pitch in 2021, has dealt with ‘Tommy John,’ surgery, struggled in 2022, and experienced a resurgence with the Atlanta Braves before ever landing in Texas. The 37-year-old also became the first Texas relief pitcher selected to the All-Star Game since Joe Nathan in 2013.

Yates was a key reason why Texas was able to win even 77 games last season. His presence helped the team feel like they had a strong safety net in the back end of the bullpen.

The case for the Texas Rangers to re-sign Kirby Yates this offseason

Despite the Lihue native’s strong campaign, it is not a guarantee that Chris Young and the front office will be willing to potentially “spend big” on a closer when there are a number of holes to fill in the bullpen.

It is possible that Yates will net a large contract from another club trying to fortify their bullpen, but it is also a distinct possibility that age will scare off suitors. If the latter ends up being true, the Rangers may be able to lock him up with an affordable deal.

Assuming Yates is the pitcher he was last season, there is a clear argument for Texas to bring him back. Whether or not they choose to do so will likely be determined by their faith in his sustainability and financial flexibility.