Earlier today, it was announced that Ben Heller signed a minor-league pact with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Kirby Yates is finalizing a deal to join the Texas Rangers.
The Braves opted not to pick up Yates’ $5.75 million club option for 2024 earlier this offseason; instead, choosing to pay him a $1.25 million buyout. At that point, the writing was on the wall.
I thought there was a chance the Braves would have retained Kirby Yates. He struggled with walks and allowed a few too many baserunners at times, but he ended the season with a more than respectable 3.28 ERA and 11.9 K/9. For a pitcher in his first full season back after recovering from Tommy John surgery, I was pretty impressed with what he was able to give the Braves.
Alex Anthopoulos clearly felt the bullpen was an area that could be upgraded this offseason, and he’s done that through a multitude of signings. The Braves brought back Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez, and they added Reynaldo Lopez and Aaron Bummer. With guys like Tyler Matzek, Dylan Lee, and Huascar Ynoa potentially returning from injury next season, this is poised to be the deepest bullpen Brian Snitker has ever had at his disposal.
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