Although a deal never materialized, it appears that one fireballer was interested in joining the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason.
The greatest move made by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been among the busiest teams this offseason, was the acquisition of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. Additionally, Los Angeles strengthened the bullpen by re-signing Joe Kelly, which was a minor but significant move.
Kelly spent the 2023 season with both the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles, and following a fantastic finish to the season, he appeared to have a strong market. During that time, the fireballer made appearances in 11 games for the Dodgers, compiling an ERA of 1.74.
After strengthening its starting lineup in the summer, St. Louis must now concentrate on strengthening its bullpen. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Kelly was “open to a return” to St. Louis, but a trade never materialized.
“Earlier, I said that I was unable to tie any of the relievers who have signed to the Cardinals — and I should clarify that Joe Kelly re-signed with the Dodgers,” Goold continued. Kelly was amenable to going back. I’m not sure if the Cardinals tried to give him that opportunity. Furthermore, LA has always been the more likely location.”
In the 2009 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft, Kelly was chosen in the third round. He signed with the team in 2012 and made his big league debut. Before being traded to the Boston Red Sox during the 2014 season, the righty spent the first two plus years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.
