Two-time All-Star, 39, Retires Immediately After First MLB Start
A veteran relief pitcher started a game for the first time in 12 seasons, then announced he's retiring from baseball.
Kirby Yates, a two-time All-Star at the age of 39, made history on Saturday, September 26, 2024, by retiring immediately after his first-ever Major League Baseball start. This marked the conclusion of his 12-season MLB career. The future Hall of Famer, Justin Verlander, announced earlier in the year that 2026 would be his final season.
Although the public was primarily focused on Verlander's retirement, Yates' career start was also his last. Following a 1.2 innings, scoreless performance against the Tigers at Comerica Park, Yates informed Detroit reporters that he had decided to retire. The decision was largely influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family as his eldest child was only eight years old.
He expressed his appreciation for the support from his family and teammates, and hinted at future personal decisions he would make. Yates' career included 32 wins, 29 losses, a 3.35 ERA, and 101 saves across eight teams, including the Angels, Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees.
Throughout his career, Yates was recognized twice as an All-Star. The historic retirement was celebrated with a warm send-off from the Detroit crowd, including Verlander's daughter hugging him on the mound after his final pitch. His former teammates honored Yates with a game ball and hugs from the Pirates infielders, even receiving a handshake from the umpire as he left the field for the final time.
Yates' career-ending start had significant personal and team implications, marking the oldest starting pitching matchup in Pirates' history since 1901.
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