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Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Manager Tony La Russa Was ‘Driving Force’ Behind Joe Kelly Signing With White Sox
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Manager Tony La Russa Was ‘Driving Force’ Behind Joe Kelly Signing With White Sox

Matt Borelli
March 20, 2022
3 Min Read
Tony La Russa, 2022 Spring Training
Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY Sports
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Joe Kelly became a free agent at the start of the offseason after the Los Angeles Dodgers declined his $12 million team option for the 2022 season in favor of paying a $4 million buyout.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman soon after said the club intended to be heavily involved in trying to re-sign Kelly. The right-hander later expressed strong interest in a reunion as well.

However, that scenario never came to be as the Chicago White Sox signed Kelly to a two-year, $17 million contract last week. The deal includes a team option for the 2024 regular season.

According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports, White Sox manager Tony La Russa played a significant role in Kelly’s decision to leave the Dodgers:

Tony LaRussa was driving force for #WhiteSox signing Joe Kelly.
Deal came together quickly.

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 13, 2022

After being a key contributor in the Dodgers bullpen over the past three seasons, Kelly now joins a talented White Sox relief corps that includes Liam Hendriks, Craig Kimbrel, Kendall Graveman and Garrett Crochet.

Kelly went 7-4 with three saves, a 3.59 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 1.23 WHIP across 115 games (one start) during his three seasons with the Dodgers. He enjoyed his most successful campaign with L.A. last year as he posted a 2.86 ERA, 3.08 FIP and 0.98 WHIP in 44 innings over 48 games.

Kelly carried his successful stretch into the postseason but saw his year end one game before the Dodgers were eliminated in the National League Championship Series. He started Game 5 against the Atlanta Braves, only to fail to make it out of the first inning because of a right biceps injury.

The 33-year-old recently said he was throwing on a regular basis and recovering well. There was initial concern the injury would require surgery.

Kelly could pitch against Dodgers in 2022

If not during Cactus League play, the Dodgers may get a look at Kelly when facing the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field from June 7-9. There is not a return to Dodger Stadium on the 2022 schedule.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

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TAGGED:Chicago White SoxJoe KellyLos Angeles DodgersTony La Russa
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.
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