History of Kirby Yates in Timeline
Kirby Yates is an American professional baseball pitcher currently a free agent. He debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2014 and has played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Texas Rangers. A two-time All-Star (2019 and 2024), Yates led the National League in saves in 2019.
March 25, 1987: Birth of Kirby Yates
Kirby Yates was born on March 25, 1987.
2005: Drafted by the Red Sox
Kirby Yates was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2005.
2006: Missed Season Due to Injury
Yates missed the 2006 season due to Tommy John surgery.
2007: Missed Season Due to Injury
Yates missed the 2007 season due to Tommy John surgery.
2009: Signed with the Tampa Bay Rays
After going undrafted, Kirby Yates signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009.
2012: Reached Double-A Level
Yates reached the Double-A level with the Montgomery Biscuits in 2012.
November 20, 2013: Added to Rays 40-Man Roster
On November 20, 2013, Yates was added to the Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster.
2013: Triple-A All-Star
Kirby Yates was named a Triple-A All-Star in 2013.
June 7, 2014: MLB Debut
Kirby Yates made his Major League debut on June 7, 2014.
2014: MLB Debut
Kirby Yates made his MLB debut in 2014.
November 25, 2015: Traded to the Cleveland Indians
The Tampa Bay Rays traded Yates to the Cleveland Indians on November 25, 2015.
2015: Struggled with Rays and Designated for Assignment
Yates struggled during the 2015 season and was designated for assignment.
January 2, 2016: Marriage to Ashlee
Kirby Yates married Ashlee on January 2, 2016.
January 5, 2016: Designated for Assignment by Indians
Yates was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians on January 5, 2016.
January 8, 2016: Traded to the New York Yankees
The Cleveland Indians traded Yates to the New York Yankees on January 8, 2016.
2016: Played for the New York Yankees
Kirby Yates played for the New York Yankees during the 2016 season.
April 2, 2017: Designated for Assignment by the Angels
Yates was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels on April 2, 2017.
April 26, 2017: Claimed off Waivers by the San Diego Padres
On April 26, 2017, the San Diego Padres claimed Yates off waivers.
2018: Padres Closer and MLB Japan All-Star Series
In 2018, Yates became the Padres' closer and was selected to represent MLB at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.
2018: Selected for MLB Japan All-Star Series
Yates was selected to represent MLB at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.
2019: All-Star Selection, Led MLB in Saves, All-MLB Team
In 2019, Yates was an All-Star, led MLB in saves, and was named to the All-MLB Team.
2019: All-Star Selection and National League Saves Leader
In 2019, Yates was selected to the All-Star game and led the National League in saves.
2020: Season Cut Short Due to Injury
Kirby Yates' 2020 season was cut short due to an elbow injury.
January 20, 2021: Signed with Toronto Blue Jays
Yates signed a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 20, 2021.
March 22, 2021: Diagnosed with Flexor Strain
Yates was diagnosed with a flexor strain on March 22, 2021, likely requiring Tommy John surgery.
March 24, 2021: Tommy John Surgery
Yates underwent Tommy John surgery on March 24, 2021.
November 29, 2021: Signed with the Atlanta Braves
Kirby Yates signed with the Atlanta Braves on November 29, 2021.
July 16, 2022: Returned to Pitching
Yates pitched in a game in the Florida Complex League on July 16, 2022, his first game since August 2020.
November 6, 2023: Braves Decline Contract Option
On November 6, 2023, the Braves declined the option on Yates' contract for the 2024 season.
December 6, 2023: Signed with the Texas Rangers
Kirby Yates signed a contract with the Texas Rangers on December 6, 2023.
2024: Second All-Star Selection
Kirby Yates made the All-Star team for the second time in his career in 2024.