New York Yankees and Texas Rangers’ All-Star closer Kirby Yates might be on the horizon, and it could be just what the Yankees need. Yates’ time with the Yankees back in 2016 was less than stellar, with the right-handed pitcher posting a 5.23 ERA over 41 games. However, his career since then has been nothing short of remarkable.
Now 37 years old, Yates has transformed into one of baseball’s elite relievers. This season, he’s boasting an impressive 1.05 ERA, with 34 strikeouts and 16 saves over 34.1 innings pitched. His performance has been a significant factor for the defending World Series champions, the Texas Rangers.
The Rangers, however, are struggling. They are currently four games under .500 and five games behind in the AL West. If they can’t turn their season around soon after the All-Star break, trading Yates—who is on an expiring contract—to a contender would make strategic sense.
Enter the New York Yankees. Mark Sanchez of The New York Post has identified Yates as a potential trade target for the Yankees as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. Yates himself seems to have fond memories of his time in New York despite the rocky stats.
In a recent All-Star game, Yates pitched a clean eighth inning, striking out CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals and Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants. Reflecting on his 2016 season with the Yankees, Yates credited the Yankees’ clubhouse atmosphere and veteran pitcher CC Sabathia for teaching him the routines that led to his career turnaround.
“Yates credits the Yankees clubhouse in general and CC Sabathia in particular for teaching him the day-to-day routines that helped him ‘change everything’ in the following offseason,” Sanchez wrote.
During his tenure with the Yankees, Yates primarily used a slider as his out-pitch. However, it was the splitter he developed during the 2016-2017 offseason that has been a game-changer for his career. Yates, who made his MLB debut in 2014, has maintained a high level of performance over the years, even earning a one-year, $4.5 million contract with Texas this past offseason.
While Yates’ career ERA of 3.30 is a testament to his reliability, his potential return to the Yankees’ bullpen could be particularly timely. The Yankees’ bullpen has been struggling, with a 5.14 ERA over the past 30 days, ranking 26th in MLB.
Sanchez’s article also highlighted Yates’ pride in having played for the Yankees. “It’s a pretty cool feeling telling people you got to play for the New York Yankees for a year,” Yates said. “It’s definitely a unique, special place. I think everybody that’s played there will tell you that.”
A trade bringing Yates back to the Yankees could help stabilize their bullpen and provide the veteran reliever a chance to contribute to a contending team. As the trade deadline approaches, Yankees fans will be eagerly watching to see if this reunion becomes a reality.
Read More:
- Boise State Adds Washington State Player of the Year Carter Kuchenbuch to 2025 Class!
- Idaho Volleyball Star Airi Miyabe Is Set to Represent Japan at The Paris Olympics!
- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Arrests St. Johnsville Resident on Felony Warrant!
Kirby Yates’ potential return to the New York Yankees is a storyline worth following. With his remarkable turnaround since his first stint with the team, Yates could provide the boost the Yankees need as they push for postseason success. Whether or not the trade materializes, the buzz around Yates highlights the strategic moves teams must consider as the trade deadline nears.
