The Los Angeles Dodgers initially saw 11 players become free agents on Wednesday morning, but the group has expanded to include Joe Kelly as the team declined their option in favor of a $4 million buyout.
The right-hander is coming off a successful season in which he posted a 2-0 record with a 2.86 ERA, 3.08 FIP and 0.98 WHIP over 44 innings pitched across 48 appearances.
Kelly emerged as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable relievers during their playoff run until he sustained a season-ending right biceps strain in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.
There were was a recent report Kelly’s injury was more serious than originally believed and that he could be in jeopardy of missing the start of next year. However, that is no longer considered the case, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
If atrophy surfaced, Kelly probably would’ve been shut down for six months. But atrophy didn’t materialize. As a result, ElAttrache has advised Kelly, who doesn’t have any structural damage in his arm, to resume throwing in six weeks. He’s expected to be ready for the 2022 season.
Kelly’s wife, Ashley, recently posted a video of him completing a throwing exercise and hinted at a fully recovery in time for Opening Day next season.
Kelly already having resumed baseball activities is a good sign for potential interested teams in the event he becomes a free agent. Even if the Dodgers decline his club option as expected, he hypothetically could return to the team next year on a lesser salary.
L.A. would save approximately $8 million by buying out Kelly, which could then be reallocated to other key free agents. Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager are among the other players to reach the open market this week.
Of course, there is also the possibility of the team re-signing Kelly for a salary that is less than the $12 million he would be owed if the option was exercised.
Kelly’s Dodgers career
When Kelly signed a three-year contract with the Dodgers during the Winter Meetings in 2018, it came as a bit of a surprise as president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman typically avoided giving long-term deals to relievers.
Kelly had an up-and-down first year with the organization, found more success during the shortened 2020 season and arguably enjoyed his best campaign in 2021. He has pitched to a 7-4 record with a 3.59 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP over 105.1 innings (115 games) across the span of his contract thus far.
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