Los Angeles Dodgers swoop another reliever away from the Chicago Cubs' grasp

Jordan Campbell

Texas Rangers v Los Angeles Angels / Katelyn Mulcahy/GettyImages

The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be doing everything in their power to ensure that the Chicago Cubs are unable to address the need they have in their bullpen.

Over the weekend, the Cubs seemed to be making progress on signing All-Star closer Tanner Scott to a four-year deal before their offer was topped by the Dodgers. The Dodgers inked Scott to a four-year deal worth $72MM.

In the aftermath of the Cubs missing out on Scott, it seemed likely that they would quickly pivot to other options such as Carlos Estévez or Kirby Yates. But in the current Major League Baseball landscape, only the Dodgers can have nice things.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Dodgers have signed Yates.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have folks screaming about their payroll, have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby Yates, pending a physical. The deal comes on the heels of signing Tanner Scott to a 4-year, $72 million contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025

Another veteran reliever is off the board thanks to the Dodgers.

While Estévez likely dictates the Cubs extending a multi-year offer, Yates likely could have been had on a one-year deal. In 61 appearances with the Texas Rangers last season, Yates posted a 1.17 ERA with 33 saves.

There's not much else that can be said about what the Dodgers are doing. The Dodgers continue to take advantage of a lucrative television deal and it's no real surprise to see veterans choose Los Angeles if the money within multiple offers is similar.

Estévez remains the top free-agent relief pitcher available. Considering the movement of relief pitchers in recent days, it would seem likely that Estévez may be nearing a decision of his own. Conventional wisdom would suggest the Dodgers aren't an option for the veteran closer but the Dodgers don't fall within the realm of conventional wisdom. If the Cubs aren't able to land Estévez, perhaps the team will turn their attention toward a reunion with Andrew Chafin.

Not to be lost, on Monday, the Cubs signed right-handed relief pitcher Trevor Richards to a minor-league deal. Richards posted a 4.55 ERA in 55 appearances last season while splitting time with the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.