Two-time All-Star reliever Kirby Yates announced his retirement after making his first career start for the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 26, 2026. The 39-year-old right-hander pitched 1⅔ innings opposite Detroit Tigers veteran Justin Verlander, who was also making his final regular-season appearance. It was Yates' 518th career appearance since debuting with Tampa Bay in June 2014.

He finished his 12-year big league career with a 32-29 record and 101 saves, including a league-leading 41 saves for the San Diego Padres in 2019. Yates, who went undrafted out of junior college, pitched for eight teams including the Rays, Yankees, Angels, Padres, Braves, Rangers, Dodgers, and Pirates. He was an All-Star in 2019 and 2024, and received a World Series ring with the Dodgers in 2025 despite not making their postseason roster.

Born in Hawaii, Yates said he knew it was time to step away after compiling a 3.19 ERA in 46 outings this season. "I don't have anything left," he said. "I've been running on fumes here for a while.".