Kirby Yates is an accomplished American professional baseball pitcher known for his impressive Major League Baseball (MLB) career. Over the years, he has played for multiple teams, showcasing his skills and determination. From leading the National League in saves in 2019 to overcoming injuries, Yates has solidified his reputation as a resilient and talented player. This article explores his career, achievements, and key attributes in a detailed breakdown.
Career Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Kirby Kali Yates |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Lihue, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Right |
| MLB Debut | June 7, 2014 (Tampa Bay Rays) |
| Current Status | Free Agent |
| Former Teams | Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers |
| Career Duration | 2014–Present |
| Position | Pitcher |
| Strong Arm | Right |
| Playing Style | Power pitcher, effective closer, fastball, and split-finger specialist |
| Notable Trophies | NL Saves Leader (2019), 2× All-Star (2019, 2024) |
| Notable Achievements | All-MLB First Team (2019), All-MLB Second Team (2024) |
| International Representation | 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
Physical Attributes & Performance Stats
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Win-Loss Record | 26–21 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 3.17 |
| Strikeouts | 571 |
| Saves | 95 |
| Games Played | Over 400 |
| Pressure Handling Ability | Strong under high-stakes conditions |
| Injury History | Tommy John Surgery (2006, 2021), Elbow Injury (2020) |
| Tattoos | None publicly known |
Career Highlights & Playing Style
| Aspect | Description |
| Pitching Style | Relies on a powerful fastball and devastating split-finger fastball to dominate hitters |
| Clutch Performance | Has delivered strong performances in crucial high-pressure games |
| Leadership | Known for mentoring younger pitchers and leading the bullpen |
| Defensive Skills | Quick reflexes and strong fielding ability for a pitcher |
| Longevity & Experience | Over a decade in MLB with consistent performances |
| Mental Strength | Has battled back from multiple injuries and setbacks |
Professional Career
| Teams Played For | Years Active |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 2014–2015 |
| New York Yankees | 2016 |
| Los Angeles Angels | 2017 |
| San Diego Padres | 2017–2020 |
| Atlanta Braves | 2022–2023 |
| Texas Rangers | 2024 |
Career Highlights & Achievements
| Award/Recognition | Year |
| MLB Debut | 2014 |
| NL Saves Leader | 2019 |
| All-MLB First Team | 2019 |
| All-MLB Second Team | 2024 |
| MLB All-Star | 2019, 2024 |
| Japan All-Star Series Representative | 2018 |
Career Stats (Through 2024 Season)
| Stat | Value |
| Win-Loss Record | 26–21 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 3.17 |
| Strikeouts | 571 |
| Saves | 95 |
Playing Style & Physical Attributes
| Category | Details |
| Primary Pitch | Fastball, Split-Finger Fastball |
| Pitching Speed | 92-96 mph |
| Strong Arm | Right |
| Pressure Handling Ability | Excellent |
| Scoring Prevention | High-Level Efficiency |
| Injury History | Tommy John Surgery (2006, 2021) |
| Tattoos | None Publicly Known |
Kirby Yates is a prime example of perseverance and excellence in professional baseball. From his humble beginnings in Hawaii to becoming a dominant closer in the MLB, his journey has been inspiring.
