Los Angeles Dodgers sign former Blue Jays closer

MLB Insider Bob Nightengale was first to report the signing.

The terms of the deal are unknown and a physical is still pending, but all signs are pointing to the deal being finalized. With Yates joining the recently signed Tanner Scott, the Dodgers now boast one of the best closing duos in the game, to go along with their vaunted rotation.

Yates signed a one year, $5.5M deal with Toronto prior to the 2021 season. He never pitched a game for them as he was diagnosed with a flexor strain in Spring Training, and ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire season and ended up reaching a deal with Atlanta that November.

Yates was elected to his second All-Star game in 2024, and rightfully so. Last season with the Rangers he went 7-2 with a 1.17 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 33 saves. It doesn't get much better than that.

The fact that Yates signed with the Dodgers, whose payroll exceeds $380MM, will add to calls for a salary cap. For Blue Jays fans, it is particularly disheartening, because while Yates was never connected to the Blue Jays this offseason, much of Blue Bird Nation is still sore and bitter about Roki Sasaki choosing the Dodgers.

SOURCE: - MLB Trade Rumours