Pirates' Kirby Yates Announces Retirement

The Pittsburgh Pirates veteran will move on to the next stage of his career.

Aug 26, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Kirby Yates (54) delivers during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DETROIT — Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Kirby Yates has had a long and successful career and he has decided on his future after this season.

Yates announced that he will retire after 12 seasons and at 39 years old, following the 4-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sept. 26.

The Pirates gave Yates his first career start against the Tigers, and he came through with 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and a strikeout.

It was his 518th appearance, and his 517 previous appearances before this marked the longest before a start for a Pirate in the Modern Era (since 1901),

Emotional Moment for Yates

Detroit threatened to score with back-to-back singles in the first inning, but Yates got a ground ball for a double play to escape unscathed.

Yates then got a groundout and a strikeout in the second inning, when Pirates manager Don Kelly came out and replaced him after 28 pitches with right-handed relief pitcher Yohan Ramírez.

Sep 26, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates opening pitcher Kirby Yates (54) throws during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

His teammates and Kelly all hugged him, and Yates took off his cap, acknowledging that this was his last time on the mound in the major leagues.

Tigers fans also applauded him and recognized his efforts, a surprise for the road team, but one that made this moment so special for Yates and his family, whom he waved to as he headed into the Pirates dugout.

TEARS IN MY EYES. 🥹

A special moment for Kirby in Detroit. 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/AyhdsWkWVc

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 26, 2026

Yates also faced off against Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who capped off his 22 seasons in the major leagues at 43 years old in this game, with a sold out Comerica Park in support.

The combined 83 years and 38 days is the oldest starting pitcher duo in a Pirates game in the modern era, and the oldest since Jamie Moyer (Philadelphia Phillies) and Chris Capuano (Los Angeles Dodgers) battled on May 11, 2012, 83 years and 76 days.

What Yates Achieved in His Career

The Pirates traded for Yates at the Aug. 3 deadline from the Los Angeles Angels, parting with Double-A right-handed pitcher Kyle Robinson.

Yates performed well for the Pirates, posting a 1.80 ERA over 15 outings, 13 strikeouts to five walks, a .255 BAA and a 1.17 WHIP.

Aug 30, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Kirby Yates (54) throws in relief against the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He pitched for eight teams in his career and was a two-time All-Star, in 2019 and 2024, while leading the National League in saves with 41 for the San Diego Padres in 2019.

Yates pitched just 11 innings combined through 2020-22 after Tommy John surgery and other injuries, but threw 495 innings in his career, posted 672 strikeouts to 138 walks, a .202 BAA and a 1.14 WHIP

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