Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
Joe Kelly had an injury-plagued 2024 season. While Kelly announced he will continue pitching in the 2025 season, the Dodgers shouldn’t re-sign him even though they need another high-leverage reliever.
Since Kelly has been a reliever, he has been inconsistent, and the 2024 season was no exception. In 35 games, Kelly had no wins, 1 loss, and a 4.78 ERA. He had 35 strikeouts. While Kelly has a blazing fastball, he struggles with his secondary pitches and control.
If the Dodgers had a healthy Brusdar Graterol, they probably would have released Kelly. Regularly throughout the 2024 season, Kelly was on the IL with right shoulder inflammation.
At 36, Kelly has seen his better days in the major leagues behind him. He should retire just after winning a World Championship.