Report: Dodgers have 'significant interest' in Yates

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to add another major piece to their bullpen this offseason and have significant interest in former San Diego Padres closer Kirby Yates, a source told Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.

The team may view him as an alternative to former Oakland A's closer Liam Hendriks. The Dodgers' interest in Hendriks apparently waned because he's seeking a four-year contract, Castillo notes.

Yates, 33, was limited to 4 1/3 innings across six appearances this summer and missed the majority of the season after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow.

The Padres snatched the right-hander off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels early in 2017 and he quickly became a mainstay in the bullpen. Yates took over as closer in 2018 after the Padres traded Brad Hand - another Dodgers target this offseason - to the Cleveland Indians.

Yates earned a spot on the NL All-Star team in 2019 when he posted a 1.19 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 15 K/9 while recording a major-league-leading 41 saves in 60 2/3 innings.

Kenley Jansen is expected to open the season as the Dodgers' closer, but he has struggled at times in recent years. The club also re-signed Blake Treinen and acquired Corey Knebel, both of whom have experience closing out games.