Kirby Yates and the San Diego Padres were reportedly discussing an extension at the end of the 2019 season. Is this his final year with the team?
One of the more prominent storylines to follow this year will be whether the San Diego Padres will offer closer Kirby Yates an extension. He was, in a word, “dominant” last season, posting a 1.19 ERA in 60 appearances while collecting an NL-leading 41 saves. He was claimed off waivers in late April 2017 and became the regular closer after the team traded away Brad Hand.
Yates is set to turn 33 in a couple of weeks, and he’s also entering the final year of his contract. Both he and the Padres were reportedly discussing a potential multi-year deal at the close of the 2019 season, but nothing ever came of it. I think many figured talks would resume during the off-season, but that didn’t happen either.
If anything, the waters were muddied further when the team traded Manuel Margot for Rays’ closer, Emilio Pagan. At least for this year, Pagan is expected to be the primary setup man for Yates in what projects to be an outstanding bullpen. But next year remains in limbo, especially if no discussions occur during the year.
While it would seem like signing Yates to a long-term extension is a no-brainer, I think General Manager AJ Preller has to consider some level of risk, given his (Yates) age and limited successful track record. As noted, Yates had not experienced consistent success until age 30.
And I get that sometimes it takes time for certain players or they find the right system, and everything clicks. But I also believe that the Padres are now in a position where re-signing him is not a must as he’s the only member of the bullpen whose contract will come off the books after this year. Everyone else is under contract through at least the 2021 season.
And with Pagan under team control through the 2023 season, I could potentially envision a scenario that sees Yates walking in free agency after this year. However, another dominant season could force Preller’s hand to offer him a two or three-year deal at approximately $10M AAV.
Anything more than that wouldn’t be worth it, in my opinion. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below.