Kirby Yates
San Diego Padres reliever Kirby Yates pitches in a game against the New York Mets. Photo credit: Tom Walko/Icon Sportswire

A prominent baseball publication singled out Kirby Yates, the San Diego Padres closer, as the Relief Pitcher of the Year in the Major Leagues.

Yates logged 41 saves while posting a 1.19 ERA. He lead all relievers in both leagues in the categories and was one of the few highlights for a Padres team that finishes in last place and fired their manager.

Kirby is signed for next season, according to MLB.com, but both sides have been open to extending the deal.

Baseball Digest also named Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout as Player of the Year and Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander as Pitcher of the Year.

Trout finished just ahead of a player the Padres saw often, Los Angeles Dodger All-Star Cody Bellinger, for his honor.

– Staff reports