Dodgers’ Joe Kelly Reveals Whether He’ll Retire or Return for 2025 Season
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly revealed he is planning on returning for the 2025 season. The veteran isn’t planning on retiring just yet and will be back for his 14th season in the majors.
“I’m going to give myself another chance to play,” Kelly said on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast.
There was some speculation about his retirement because of his recent injury history. Kelly appeared in just 35 games and 32 innings for the Dodgers this season. Ongoing issues with his shoulder prevented Kelly from pitching for nearly three months of the regular season. The Dodgers placed him on the 60-day injured list on May 6 then reactivated him on July 19. However, Kelly’s return did not last long as the Dodgers placed him on the 15-day injured list from Aug. 31 to Sept. 18.
The right-hander did not throw a single pitch on the Dodgers’ postseason run to a World Series title. Kelly’s most recent outing was on Sept. 27 during the Dodgers’ 11-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Across the season, the three-time World Series champion logged a 4.78 ERA while notching 35 strikeouts and 16 walks.
In December, Kelly signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers. Therefore, he is a free agent this offseason. Whether or not he will remain in the Los Angeles bullpen remains undetermined. But, he has not pitched below a 4.12 ERA since 2021 and consistently finds himself on the injured list, which lessens his likelihood of remaining with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have picked up the options of shortstop Miguel Rojas and catcher Austin Barnes. Other available Los Angeles free agents include outfielder Teoscar Hernández, utility Kiké Hernández, reliever Blake Treinen, and starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty. Reliever Daniel Hudson and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier are also free agents but have announced their retirement.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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