History of Kirby Yates in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Kirby Yates is a professional baseball relief pitcher known for his success as a closer in Major League Baseball. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2009, he eventually broke into the major leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014. Yates gained national recognition during his tenure with the San Diego Padres, where he led the National League in saves in 2019 and earned his first All-Star selection. Throughout his career, he has played for multiple franchises, including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and Texas Rangers. His journey has been characterized by resilience, notably overcoming multiple injuries, including Tommy John surgery, to remain a high-leverage bullpen contributor. As a reliable late-inning arm, Yates continues to be a respected figure in professional baseball for his ability to close out games and maintain high strikeout efficiency.

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Full Timeline

March 25, 1987: Birth of Kirby Yates

On March 25, 1987, professional baseball pitcher Kirby Kali Yates was born.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox

In 2005, Kirby Yates was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 26th round of the Major League Baseball draft following his graduation from Kauai High School; however, he chose not to sign a contract with the team.

2006: Missed baseball season due to surgery

During the 2006 season, while attending Yavapai College, Kirby Yates was sidelined from playing baseball after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

2007: Continued absence from play

Kirby Yates remained unable to compete during the 2007 baseball season as he continued his recovery following Tommy John surgery.

June 22, 2009: Signing with the Tampa Bay Rays

On June 22, 2009, after not being selected in the 2009 MLB draft, Kirby Yates signed a contract as an amateur free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays to begin his professional baseball career.

2010: Performance and Injury in 2010

During the 2010 season, Kirby Yates played for the Bowling Green Hot Rods and was later promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs on August 12, 2010, where his season ended prematurely due to a strained right shoulder requiring surgery.

2011: Rehabilitation and Return in 2011

After missing the start of the 2011 season due to shoulder surgery, Kirby Yates underwent rehabilitation and returned to the Charlotte Stone Crabs on June 22, 2011, subsequently finishing the year with the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League.

2012: Breakout Double-A season with Montgomery Biscuits

In 2012, Kirby Yates achieved a 2.65 ERA and recorded 94 strikeouts over 50 games while playing for the Montgomery Biscuits. His performance earned him the lead in the Southern League for strikeouts per nine innings with a rate of 12.44, and he participated in the Arizona Fall League with the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

November 20, 2013: Added to the Rays 40-man roster

On November 20, 2013, Kirby Yates was officially added to the Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

2013: Triple-A All-Star and Rays Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year

During the 2013 season, Yates was named a Triple-A All-Star after maintaining a 1.90 ERA across 51 games for the Durham Bulls. He was also honored as the Tampa Bay Rays organization's Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year, having successfully recorded 16 saves throughout the year.

June 7, 2014: Major League Baseball debut

Kirby Yates was called up to the major leagues on June 7, 2014, and made his debut against the Seattle Mariners, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings and recording two strikeouts.

2014: MLB Debut

In 2014, Kirby Yates made his debut in Major League Baseball, marking the official beginning of his professional big league career.

November 25, 2015: Trade to Cleveland Indians

On November 25, 2015, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Kirby Yates to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash considerations.

2015: Designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays

In 2015, the Tampa Bay Rays made the decision to designate Kirby Yates for assignment, marking a shift in his professional career path.

January 2, 2016: Marriage of Kirby Yates and Ashlee

On January 2, 2016, professional baseball player Kirby Yates married his long-time girlfriend, Ashlee, who is the proprietor of the childcare agency Homerun Sitters LLC.

January 5, 2016: Designated for Assignment by Cleveland

On January 5, 2016, Kirby Yates was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians, marking a transition in his professional baseball career.

2016: Acquired by the Los Angeles Angels

Following the conclusion of the 2016 season, Kirby Yates was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels after previously playing for the New York Yankees.

April 2, 2017: Designated for Assignment by the Angels

On April 2, 2017, the Los Angeles Angels designated Kirby Yates for assignment after he failed to earn a permanent spot on the team's bullpen roster during the spring training period.

April 26, 2017: Kirby Yates claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres

On April 26, 2017, professional baseball player Kirby Yates was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres, a move that eventually led to a highly successful season for him as a relief pitcher.

2018: Kirby Yates' 2018 MLB Season Highlights

During the 2018 season, Kirby Yates initially served as a setup man before transitioning to the closer role for the Padres following a trade deadline move. He finished the year with a stellar 2.14 ERA, recorded 12 saves, and was subsequently chosen to participate in the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.

2019: 2019 Career Breakthrough Season

During the 2019 season, Kirby Yates achieved significant professional success as the San Diego Padres' representative at the All-Star Game, leading the MLB with 41 saves, maintaining a 1.19 ERA, and earning a spot on the All-MLB Team.

2019: All-Star Selection and Saves Leader

During the 2019 season, Yates achieved All-Star status and led the National League in total saves, highlighting his performance as a top-tier reliever in 2019.

2019: Kirby Yates active season

In 2019, Kirby Yates participated in a full season of professional baseball prior to his return to full-season play in 2023.

August 2020: Last Game Before Hiatus

August 2020 marked the last time Kirby Yates appeared in a game at any professional level before his extended absence due to injury.

2020: Kirby Yates 2020 Season Injury

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Kirby Yates made six appearances and surrendered six runs over 4 and 1/3 innings before his season concluded due to bone chips in his elbow.

January 20, 2021: Signing with the Toronto Blue Jays

On January 20, 2021, professional baseball player Kirby Yates signed a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

November 29, 2021: Contract Signing with Atlanta Braves

On November 29, 2021, Kirby Yates signed a two-year contract valued at $8.25 million with the Atlanta Braves.

July 16, 2022: Return to Professional Play

On July 16, 2022, Yates marked his return to professional baseball after a long hiatus by pitching a perfect inning during a Florida Complex League game.

November 6, 2023: Braves decline contract option

On November 6, 2023, the Atlanta Braves officially declined the option on Kirby Yates' contract for the upcoming 2024 season, which resulted in him becoming a free agent.

December 6, 2023: Kirby Yates signs with the Texas Rangers

On December 6, 2023, Kirby Yates officially signed a one-year contract valued at $4.5 million with the Texas Rangers baseball team.

2024: Free agency status

During the 2024 season, Kirby Yates entered the market as a free agent following the decision by the Braves to decline his contract option in late 2023.

2024: Second All-Star Selection

Kirby Yates earned his second career All-Star team selection in 2024, continuing his success as a professional baseball player in 2024.

January 30, 2025: Kirby Yates signs with Los Angeles Dodgers

On January 30, 2025, professional baseball player Kirby Yates officially signed a one-year contract valued at $13 million to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.

January 6, 2026: Kirby Yates signs with the Los Angeles Angels

On January 6, 2026, professional baseball player Kirby Yates entered into a one-year contract agreement with the Los Angeles Angels valued at $5 million.