Atlanta Braves Sign Former Saves Leader

The Atlanta Braves have signed reliever Kirby Yates to a two-year, $8.25 million contract. He will make $1 million for the 2022 season and $6 million in 2023. With that, it comes with a $5.75 million club option for 2024 and $1.25 million buyout.

#Braves Sign Kirby Yates: pic.twitter.com/v7RYXmg78u

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 30, 2021

The 2021 season was a very hard one for Yates. Although he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, he wasn't able to make a single appearance. He sustained a flexor strain during Spring Training and had to undergo Tommy John Surgery. This will impact him for this upcoming season, too, as he is expected to be out for at least half of it. 

Injury trouble also essentially took away his 2020 season, too. He only pitched six games with the San Diego Padres, where he had a 0-1 record and 12.46 ERA.

Once he's healthy, it'll be interesting to see if Yates can find his 2019 form. During that season, he led the league in saves with 41 and was an All-Star. With that, he also would be named to the All-MLB First Team. 

Nonetheless, the Braves are banking on his past success. It will be interesting to see how he performs from here. This certainly comes with some risk, but the potential reward could be worth it. 

Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports