KBO League LG Twins pitcher Casey Kelly (36), regarded as the best foreign player in the team's history, is making a comeback in Major League Baseball. Although he is at a considerable age, he has signed a minor league contract to continue his career.
The U.S. 'MLB Trade Rumors' reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that Kelly has signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kelly, who signed on the 26th of last month, has been assigned to the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A Reno Aces.
Kelly was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1st round with the 30th overall pick in the 2008 draft and was recognized as a promising player with talent in both pitching and hitting. At the time of the draft, he was a shortstop but pursued a career as a pitcher and was traded to the San Diego Padres along with Anthony Rizzo in December 2010 as part of the deal for slugger Adrian Gonzalez.
He realized his dream of debuting in Major League Baseball with the San Diego Padres in 2012, but after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his elbow in 2013, he was sidelined for the season and did not meet expectations. After recovering from rehabilitation, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves but was non-tendered after just one year. He then signed minor league contracts with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, totaling 26 games (12 starts, 85⅔ innings), with a record of 2 wins, 11 losses, an earned run average of 5.46, and 56 strikeouts over four seasons until 2018.
Unable to establish himself in the United States, Kelly headed to Korea in 2019. He signed with LG and embarked on a new challenge, enjoying six seasons of longevity until July of last year. He recorded a total of 163 games (989⅓ innings) with 73 wins and 46 losses, an earned run average of 3.25, and 753 strikeouts during his time with LG. He also claimed the title of wins leader (16 wins) in 2022, showcasing consistency with double-digit wins for five consecutive years. He ranks 3rd all-time in total wins and innings among foreign pitchers in the KBO League, and 4th in strikeouts.
In the postseason, he excelled with 8 games (47⅔ innings), recording 4 wins, 1 loss, an earned run average of 2.08, and 34 strikeouts, demonstrating the characteristics of a 'big game pitcher.' He became the winning pitcher in the 5th game of the Korean Series in 2023, leading LG to confirm their championship.
However, last year, he showed a downward trend with 19 games (113⅔ innings), 5 wins, 8 losses, an earned run average of 4.51, and 69 strikeouts, leading LG to part ways with him by signing Eliezer Hernandez. Even after receiving the notice of his release, he displayed the professionalism of a player by making an scheduled start against Doosan on July 20. After the game was called off due to rain in the 3rd inning, LG held a farewell ceremony for Kelly, who had dedicated himself to the team, saying goodbye with tears in the rain.
Although there were once rumors of retirement, Kelly, showing his will to continue playing, returned to the United States and signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He aimed to revitalize his career with the Triple-A Louisville Bats, managed by his father, Pat Kelly, and received a big league call-up at the end of August. After recording 2 games (5⅓ innings), 1 save, and an earned run average of 5.06, he was sent back down to Triple-A and finished the season.
This year, he signed a minor league contract with Arizona and will start again in Triple-A. Arizona has a solid starting rotation with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. There are also backup starters Jordan Montgomery and Ryan Nelson, making it difficult for Kelly to break into the lineup. He will need to look for opportunities for a big league call-up as a long reliever in the bullpen capable of pitching extended innings.
Even though he left Korea, Kelly's affection for LG remains unchanged. On the 16th of last month, he made a surprise visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, where LG had its spring camp, and joyfully reunited with his teammates. Kelly said, "I missed my teammates a lot, and I feel good to see them again. I missed everyone in the team. I hope the team prepares well for the season and great things happen this year." Kim In-seok, CEO of LG Sports, warmly welcomed him with a thank-you plaque and a photo album.
[OSEN]
