Kirby Yates is a highly regarded MLB pitcher known for his skill as a right-handed reliever. His career highlights include a remarkable 2019 season with a 1.19 ERA and 41 saves, leading to All-Star recognition. Yates has battled injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2021, yet made a successful comeback in 2024. With an estimated net worth of $52 million, he continues to impact the game with resilience and dedication. Further exploration reveals more about his path and achievements.
Early Life
Kirby Yates developed a passion for baseball during his childhood, which propelled him to pursue the sport seriously. He attended Yavapai Junior College in Arizona, where he displayed his pitching talents.
After his time in junior college, he entered the MLB Draft and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in 2005, although he did not sign with the team. Instead, Kirby Yates signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.
Despite facing considerable challenges and injuries early on, Yates’s resolve and perseverance led him to become a successful major league pitcher.
Family Life
Kirby Yates, affectionately known as “Chubbs Senior,” deeply values his family life.
His wife, who has been a constant source of support throughout his professional path and recovery from injuries, plays an essential role in his life.
As a dedicated father, Yates prioritizes being a positive role model for his children, consistently sharing cherished family moments on social media.
He frequently expresses gratitude for the reliable support of his family, highlighting how integral family values are to his life beyond the baseball field.
Career
Kirby Yates is a right-handed pitcher who made his Major League Baseball debut on June 7, 2014. Throughout his 11-season career, he has achieved notable milestones, recording 602 strikeouts and maintaining a career earned run average (ERA) of 3.22.
Significantly, Yates had a standout season in 2019, where he led the league with an impressive 1.19 ERA and secured 41 saves, earning All-Star recognition and establishing himself as one of the premier relievers in the sport.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021, he made a successful return in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, achieving a remarkable 1.17 ERA and 33 saves.
However, as of 2025, Yates has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain, which adds to a history of injuries that have affected his playing time throughout his career.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Kirby Yates’ net worth is estimated to be around $52 million, largely attributed to his $13 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and approximately $49 million earned over his 11-season MLB career.
Throughout his career, Yates has drawn notable salaries, including $7 million in 2019, $4.5 million in 2020, $2 million in 2021, $1.5 million in 2018, and $1 million in 2017.
His impressive performance, particularly in 2019 when he recorded a 1.19 ERA and led the majors with 41 saves, likely enhanced his market value.
Furthermore, Kirby Yates’ financial growth is supported by endorsements and sponsorship deals typical for successful MLB players, although specific figures are not publicly disclosed.