According to Jim Bowden, an Athletic columnist and former MLB executive, the Boston Red Sox are strong contenders for all top free-agent pitchers on the market. With Kenley Jansen, their future Hall of Fame closer, leaving after two seasons, some Red Sox insiders are advocating for the team to sign Kirby Yates.
In 2024, Yates served as the closer for the Texas Rangers under a one-year, $4.5 million deal. MLB Trade Rumors projects his 2025 salary to be around $14 million. At 37 years old and with a decade of MLB experience, Yates is expected to sign another one-year contract.
During his stint with Boston, Jansen earned $16 million annually over his two seasons.
Yates Had Strong Comeback Year in 2024
Respected Red Sox fan and insider account Red Sox Stats shared on Saturday that, alongside Blake Snell, Kirby Yates stood out with notably superior pitching, citing his “dirtiness in the zone” as a key factor discussed by members of the Red Sox pitching staff. This focus aligns with the team’s emphasis on elite-level pitch quality.
After joining the Texas Rangers, Yates had a career resurgence, posting his best stats since 2019, when he saved 41 games for the San Diego Padres and earned an All-Star nod. In 2024, he saved 33 games for Texas, boasting an impressive 1.17 ERA and a 0.827 WHIP, securing a spot on the American League All-Star roster.
Conversely, Kenley Jansen saved 29 games in 2023 and 27 in 2024 for the Red Sox, though Boston missed the playoffs both years. Jansen, who consistently pitched in the postseason every year since 2013, expressed disappointment at Boston’s struggles. He spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including their championship win during the shortened 2020 season, and had one playoff appearance with the Atlanta Braves in 2022, saving their only victory in a losing series against the Phillies. Jansen is a four-time All-Star.
Jansen Solidified Hall of Fame Credentials With Red Sox
Kenley Jansen made history with the Red Sox by recording his 400th career save, becoming one of only eight pitchers to achieve that milestone. He leaves Boston with a total of 447 saves, placing him fourth on the all-time list. Unfortunately, Jansen’s tenure with the team concluded on a disappointing note, as he was sidelined by a sore shoulder and left the team before the season ended.
While Kirby Yates doesn’t have the same career accolades as Jansen, he could potentially surpass Jansen’s value for the Red Sox if he replicates his stellar 2024 performance. According to Brooks Baseball, Yates primarily uses a four-seam fastball that tops out at 93 mph. This pitch stands out for generating a high number of swings and misses compared to other pitchers’ four-seamers. It also features noticeable tailing movement, some natural sinking action, average velocity, and tends to induce more fly balls than typical four-seam fastballs.
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