The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Joe Kelly to a one-year, $8 million contract for the 2024 season. Kelly returns after previously having his $9.5 million option declined, which led to receiving a $1 million buyout.
Kelly agreed to re-sign at the beginning of December but there was a delay in the deal becoming official partly due to the Dodgers having a full 40-man roster. That was alleviated Monday morning when the Dodgers traded Victor González and Jorbit Vivas to the New York Yankees for Trey Sweeney.
The Dodgers first reunited with Kelly at the 2023 MLB trade deadline in a deal with the Chicago White Sox that also included Lance Lynn. Kelly had previously pitched for the Dodgers from 2019-2021 and was a key contributor in the bullpen during their 2020 World Series run.
Kelly saw improved results in his return to the Dodgers but was marred by a five-week stint on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. He additionally missed time in April because of a right groin strain and 16 days in July with elbow trouble prior to being traded to the Dodgers.
Kelly went 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA, 1.32 FIP, 0.87 WHIP and 16.5 strikeouts per nine in 11 games after the trade. In 42 appearances between the White Sox and Dodgers, the right-hander posted a combined 4.12 ERA and 2.72 FIP while striking out 35.7% of hitters.
The Dodgers bullpen for 2024 doesn’t project to have many openings, but Kelly will continue to have an important role in high-leverage situations.
Dodgers asked Joe Kelly to change jersey number for Shohei Ohtani
As Shohei Ohtani was nearing his decision, the Dodgers reportedly asked Kelly if he would change from wearing No. 17 in the event the two-way star was signed.
That’s expected now that Kelly and Ohtani have both signed with the Dodgers.
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