Kirby Kali Yates (born March 25, 1987) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and was an All-Star in 2019 when he led the National League in saves
After going undrafted in 2009, Yates signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2012, Yates reached the Double-A level with the Montgomery Biscuits, where he had a 2.65 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 68 innings over 50 games. Yates was a Triple-A All-Star in 2013, putting up a 1.90 ERA in 51 games for the Durham Bulls.
On January 20, 2021, Yates signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. On March 22, 2021, Yates was diagnosed with a flexor strain, and it was later announced that he would likely undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his 2021 season.
On March 24, 2021, Yates underwent the procedure. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on April 4. His brother, Tyler Yates, also played in Major League Baseball. Tyler has since been a police officer in Kauai.
Yates married his long-time girlfriend Ashlee on January 2, 2016. The couple has not divulged any information about whether they have children or not, Ashlee owns a business that places sitters with professional athlete families, Homerun Sitters LLC. His hobbies include surfing and golfing.