Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
With the Los Angeles Dodgers continuing their search for stability among their pitching staff, they reportedly re-signed Joe Kelly to a one-year deal.
Kelly was acquired at the trade deadline from the Chicago White Sox in a deal that also included Lance Lynn before the veteran reliever found a solid run of success. In 11 games with the Dodgers, the right-hander notched a 1.74 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 19 strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched.
The Dodgers declined Kelly’s $9.5 million club option for the 2024 season, instead paying him a $1 million buyout to make him a free agent before bringing him back on a new contract.
According to Jim Bowden of the Athletic, Kelly will earn slightly less than he would’ve earned if the Dodgers had picked up his prior club option:
Joe Kelly deal with #Dodgers is 1-year $8m according to club source
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) December 4, 2023
Kelly now rejoins a Dodgers team for his 13th season in Major League Baseball, and his fifth year with the club.
Returning to the Dodgers at an $8 million price tag is an indication of where the market currently stands for relief pitchers, but could also be a positive lens on how the front office projects his production in 2024.
By declining his option, the Dodgers saved $500,000 in the process while also saving a roster spot prior to the Rule 5 Draft. They currently have Jason Heyward and Kelly waiting to officially be added to the roster, which stands at 39 players.
What does Joe Kelly bring to the Dodgers’ bullpen?
Kelly’s status as a fan favorite with the Dodgers has been expressed in more ways than his presence on the roster. He has his a Mariachi Joe Kelly mural painted by artist Jonas Never, while also receiving a bobblehead in the same outfit he wore when the team visited the White House to celebrate their 2020 World Series win.
But on the field, Kelly has an explosive arsenal that is among the best in baseball. His high-velocity stuff ranked in the 98th percentile in terms of fastball velocity, and although he didn’t qualify on pitching leaderboards, he carried a 35.7% strikeout rate.
When healthy, Kelly has shown the ability to be incredibly lethal at missing barrels, forcing a ground ball, and using his power offspeed to get a whiff. Alongside Evan Phillips, the Dodgers now have another veteran option at the backend of their bullpen.
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