Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 84° Today's Paper


Sports Breaking

Red Sox relief pitcher Joe Kelly, Dodgers agree to $25M, 3-year contract

1/1
Swipe or click to see more

ASSOCATED PRESS

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Joe Kelly throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning in Game 3 of the World Series baseball game in Los Angeles on Oct. 26. Kelly has agreed to a $25 million, three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

LAS VEGAS >> Reliever Joe Kelly agreed Thursday to a $25 million, three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.

A 30-year-old right-hander who was born in Anaheim, California, Kelly was 4-2 with a 4.39 ERA and two saves in 73 games this year for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Kelly pitched in all five World Series games against the Dodgers this year and did not allow a run, striking out 10 in six innings. He gave up one earned run in nine postseason appearances with 13 strikeouts and no walks.

According to Brooks Baseball, his fastball averaged 98.7 mph this year. The Red Sox acquired him from St. Louis in July 2014.

Kelly broke a rib of the Dodgers’ Hanley Ramirez when he hit him with a pitch in the 2013 NL Championship Series opener. Kelly hit the New York Yankees’ Tyler Austin on the back with a pitch last April 11, four innings after Austin spiked Red Sox shortstop Brock Holt when he slid into second base with a high right foot. That set off a brawl and Kelly was suspended for six games.

Kelly’s departure leaves a gap in a Boston bullpen expected to lose closer Craig Kimbrel, who became a free agent. Kelly will be a setup man in Los Angeles for closer Kenley Jansen.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.