Kirby Yates Ends 12-Year MLB Career with First Career Start

Key points

• Kirby Yates announced his retirement on September 26, 2026, following the Pittsburgh Pirates' 4-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
• Yates pitched 1.2 scoreless innings as the Pirates' opener, marking the first 'start' of his 12-year major league career.
• The game also featured Justin Verlander's final career start for the Tigers, creating a dual-farewell moment for two veterans.
• Yates finished his career with a 3.35 ERA, 101 saves, and a 32.7% strikeout rate over 495 innings.
• He signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and reached the majors in 2014.
• Yates earned two All-Star selections and received Cy Young votes during his dominant 2018-2019 seasons with the San Diego Padres.

Background

Yates' retirement follows a trend of veteran players concluding their careers in 2026, including first baseman Trey Mancini, who retired in August after overcoming cancer and winning a World Series. The Pirates had recently reinstated Yates from the injured list in September, replacing Camilo Doval, before his final appearance. The game against the Tigers was already significant as Justin Verlander's final career start, with the Tigers arranging roster moves to allow him to pitch despite limited recent activity. Yates' career spanned eight teams, including the Rays, Yankees, Padres, Blue Jays, Braves, Rangers, Dodgers, and Angels, reflecting a journey from undrafted free agent to All-Star closer.

How outlets are covering it

MLB Trade Rumors emphasized the symbolic nature of Yates' final appearance, noting it was his first career start after 517 relieving appearances, and highlighted his career statistics and emotional farewell. Heavy.com focused on the broader context of the game, noting the dual-farewell with Verlander and the Pirates' emotional response, while also mentioning Yates' time with the Yankees. Sports Illustrated, in an earlier August report, had noted Yates was considering his future after the 2026 season, with Yates stating he was 'close to the end' but 'savoring every moment.' The outlets agreed on the core facts of his retirement and final appearance but differed in emphasis: MLB Trade Rumors focused on his career arc and statistics, Heavy.com on the game's emotional context, and Sports Illustrated on his pre-retirement deliberations.

Why it matters

Yates' retirement marks the end of a career that defied expectations for an undrafted free agent, achieving elite strikeout rates and two All-Star selections despite multiple Tommy John surgeries. His final appearance, shared with Verlander's farewell, highlighted the emotional weight of veteran goodbyes in MLB. The Pirates' decision to give him the nod as an opener, despite his reliever background, underscored the respect he commanded. His career trajectory, from struggling early years to dominant 2018-2019 seasons and a strong 2024 comeback, illustrates the resilience and adaptability required in modern baseball. His retirement also signals the Pirates' transition, as they look to build on a 2026 season that kept them in the Wild Card hunt, with Yates' departure marking the end of an era for a veteran who found a 'new life' in Pittsburgh.

What to watch

The Pittsburgh Pirates will finalize their 2027 roster, with Yates' departure creating a bullpen spot. The team is expected to rely on their existing rotation and bullpen, including Mason Montgomery and Luke Weaver, while evaluating new acquisitions. Yates' retirement may open discussions about his potential move into broadcasting or other post-playing roles, as suggested by fans and commentators. The Pirates will face increased expectations for 2027, as noted by Yates, and will need to fill the void left by their veteran reliever. The broader MLB landscape will continue to see veteran retirements, with the 2026 season already marking several notable goodbyes.