5 trade deadline deals that could push Blue Jays back into contention for 2024

Jays need best closer replacement available in Kirby Yates

With Jays’ closer Jordan Romano likely due to miss a huge chunk or even perhaps the rest of the 2024 season, it is essential that they find a proven closer to help stabilize the team’s back end of the bullpen. Especially after seeing how they had nearly or actually blown some games in recent weeks, there can no longer be anymore room for error in that regard going forward for their postseason dream to stay alive.

With that in mind, the perfect candidate for the role is none other than Texas Rangers’ current closer Kirby Yates. Yates had been nothing short of spectacular despite playing for a struggling Rangers’ team in 2024. In 32 appearances to date, he has posted a 3-1 record while going a perfect 14-for-14 in save situations. On top of that, he has a dazzling 0.84 ERA, 480 ERA+, 0.87 WHIP, having given up only 3 earned runs all season with 14 walks and 45 strikeouts in 32.1 innings of work. His 0.84 ERA trails only that of Cleveland Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase for the league lead.

The Jays’ faithful would probably remember best the last time Yates was part of the organization back in 2021. After signing a one-year deal with the team, he entered training camp with red flags in his physical. Eventually, Yates had to undergo Tommy John surgery on his right pitching elbow before the season even got started. As a result, he failed to appear in a single game for the Jays, leaving many wondering what potential impact he could have had with the club. Perhaps with a second go-around this time, it will finally give him the chance to show what he can actually bring to the team and help lead the Jays’ relief corps to success down the stretch.