The Chicago Cubs made a notable move in free agency by signing veteran closer Kirby Yates to a two-year, $28 million contract, according to Michael Brakebill of FanSided. This deal is a clear signal that the Cubs are serious about bolstering their bullpen for the 2024 season and beyond. Yates, who has been a reliable and dominant force out of the bullpen when healthy, is expected to bring much-needed stability and experience to a Chicago bullpen that has had its ups and downs in recent years.

Yates, 37, has had a roller-coaster career, with his peak coming in 2019 when he was one of the most effective closers in the game with the San Diego Padres. That season, he recorded 41 saves with a sparkling 1.19 ERA, earning his first All-Star selection. However, his career has been marred by injuries, including a significant elbow issue that required Tommy John surgery in 2021. After missing the entire 2021 season, Yates returned in 2022, splitting time between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves. Although his performance has fluctuated since his surgery, his experience and high strikeout rate make him an intriguing addition for the Cubs.

While the contract itself is a significant investment, Yates’ health and ability to recapture his pre-surgery form will be key factors in determining the success of this signing. The Cubs are certainly banking on the possibility that Yates can return to being a top-tier closer or at least provide quality late-inning relief. The two-year term gives the Cubs some security, but it’s also a relatively low-risk deal compared to some other high-dollar contracts in the market, especially considering Yates’ injury history.

The Cubs’ bullpen has been a weak spot in recent seasons, and this move seems to be part of a broader effort to improve their pitching depth. With the National League Central remaining competitive, especially with teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals consistently vying for top spots, the Cubs are aiming to address the areas where they’ve struggled. Adding a proven closer like Yates helps in late-game situations and potentially gives the Cubs a more reliable back end of the bullpen.

However, the signing is not without risk. While Yates has the pedigree to be a game-changer, there’s always the question of how well he’ll rebound from his past injuries. If he can stay healthy and produce at a high level, the Cubs will have made an excellent investment. But if his performance continues to be inconsistent, the team could find itself in need of another closer solution, especially if their postseason aspirations rely on a stable bullpen. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off.