SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego Padres closer Kirby Yates has been chosen Relief Pitcher of the Year by Baseball Digest.
Yates punched in the most saves in the majors this season, converting 41 of 44 chances and recording a 1.19 ERA, the lowest among all major league relievers. He also penciled in 101 strikeouts over 2019.
Yates was selected by the Padres in 2017 off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.
The Friar is is in good company as well. Yates is the first Padres reliever since Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman to lead the majors in saves, when Hoffman did so in 1998. Previous National League saves leaders include former Padres Heath Bell, Mark Davis and Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers.
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The Padres and Yates will reportedly look into a contract negotiation during this off-season. Yates has been vocal about his desire to remain in San Diego.
Congratulations to @KauaiKirby39 on being selected MLB Relief Pitcher of the Year by @BaseballDigest! 👏 pic.twitter.com/kgQFihrPM8
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 3, 2019
Also netting awards were Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout, chosen major league player of the year, and Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander, selected pitcher of the year.
Baseball Digest's annual awards are selected by independently submitted votes from a 17-member panel, consisting of longtime baseball writers, broadcasters, former players, and executives.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
