2021 Blue Jays: Kirby Yates Coming to Toronto

Overtime Heroics Editorial

865 days ago

The Toronto Blue Jays have come to an agreement with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates reported by Ken Rosenthal. The deal is pending a physical which took place on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 at the Blue Jays practice facilities in Dunedin, FL.

2021 Blue Jays: Kirby Yates is Toronto-Bound

Free-agent reliever Kirby Yates is in agreement with the Blue Jays, a source tells The Athletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2021

Reports surfaced that the two parties had mutual interest. The Toronto Blue Jays and Kirby Yates met at their practice facilities in Dunedin where a physical took place. The signing of the All-Star pitcher comes hours after the announcement of Tyler Chatwood agreeing to a one-year contract with the Blue Jays.

2021 Blue Jays: What You Need to Know About Kirby Yates

Kirby Yates in 2019 – 1.19 ERA in 60.2 IP. Struck out 42% of the batters he faced (a ton) with nearly eight strikeouts for every walk (exceptional ratio). Had bone chips removed from elbow in August, but if he's returning to health this could really pay off for #BlueJays https://t.co/RmDUiOP9Du

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 19, 2021

Kirby Yates coming off surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow looks to rebound to his 2019 form. In 2019 Yates had 41 saves and a 1.19 ERA in 60 games for the San Diego Padres, he struggled in 2020 posting a 12.46 ERA in six appearances before having surgery in August.

2021 Blue Jays: Experience in the Bullpen

The Blue Jays add some much-needed depth and experience to their bullpen. Toronto hopes Kirby Yates can return to his 2018-2019 form, which would be a huge payoff for the team.

The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen now has added two arms to their bullpen and plenty of experience. With the signing of Tyler Chatwood and now Kirby Yates, both pitchers looking to bounce back after rough 2020 campaigns, and Toronto will welcome both for 2021.

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