Somewhat in the shadows, due to the larger-than-life saga involving Shohei Ohtani, reliever Joe Kelly signed a new one-year, $8 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 11 last year.
For the main person concerned, there was no question of ending up anywhere other than with the Dodgers, according to what he said during an appearance on the airwaves with David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports Radio.
No, there wasn't really any doubt. I wanted to play for the Dodgers. I don't really want to go anywhere other than home anymore.
We can understand it, the 35-year-old having already walked his backpack in the MLB and wanting stability for his family.
Obviously, with children, this is one of the things that weighs in the balance. I told them, “Anytime you want Dad to retire, let me know.” » My son is old enough now that he wants to stay in a school, play on a team, hang out with the same friends.
The gunner's plan is to end his career under the hot Californian sun.
For the rest of my career, I'm probably going to sign one-year deals and try to be a member of the Dodgers for the rest of my career.
And why not as long as he's an asset to Los Angeles like he was?
During the second half of the season with the Dodgers in 2023, he posted a 1.74 ERA after joining from the Chicago White Sox.
The upcoming campaign will be his fifth with the team, and during that span he has maintained a 3.42 ERA in 115 2/3 innings of regular season work.
With Evan Phillips in the role as the Dodgers' number one reliever, Kelly should set the table alongside Brusdar Graterol in 2024.
