Dodgers Reportedly Decline Joe Kelly’s Option Making Him a Free Agent
The Dodgers have reportedly made another decision on a 2024 contract option. According to a report, the club will be declining Joe Kelly’s $9.5 million option and instead paying a $1 million buyout.
There was some expectation on the Dodgers potentially picking up Kelly’s option and keeping one piece of a bullpen that was one of the league’s best in the second half intact. Instead Kelly will head back to free agency where the two sides could explore a reunion on a lower AAV multi-year deal.
Kelly will be 35 at the start of next season and some reports have surfaced that he’s considered retiring after a successful 12 years in the big leagues.
The right-hander returned to the Dodgers last season at the trade deadline, posting a 1.74 ERA in 11 games. He missed about a month with a forearm issue.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio, USA Today Sports
They should keep El Mariachi. He’s a hoot to watch, even with that spray arm of his. As long as Roberts doesn’t put him with runners in scoring position where his wild arm will throw a wild pitch to score a run, he’s a fine reliever.