The Boston Red Sox officially released right-handed reliever Zack Kelly from their organization on Friday after he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. Kelly is recovering from an elbow fracture but is expected to start throwing soon. The Minnesota Twins should pursue the right-hander now that he is a free agent.
Kelly, 32, posted a 3.31 ERA with a 19.7% strikeout rate and 9.9% walk rate over 16 1/3 innings for Boston this season. The Red Sox surprisingly optioned him to Triple-A Worcester in May before he landed on the IL in July.
If the Twins sign Kelly, they will have him under control for at least three more years if he is added to the big-league roster. He is out of minor-league options. Because he recently cleared waivers, Kelly will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal.
Kelly made his MLB debut with Boston in 2022. Over 115 career appearances with the Red Sox, Kelly recorded a 4.04 ERA with 127 strikeouts and 58 walks across 131 1/3 innings.
Looking at potential Twins RHP Zack Kelly after release from Red Sox
Kelly throws a four-seamer and sinker that average around 96 mph. He also mixes in a low-90s cutter, a low-80s slider and a changeup. He only recently started throwing his sinker. His changeup used to be his primary secondary pitch, but he recently began using his cutter and slider more often.
At his best, Kelly gets opposing batters to chase at a high rate and limits hard contact at an elite level. Kelly might not want to join the Twins, since he'll likely have many options if he has to settle for a minor-league deal, but Minnesota should at least make him an offer. If the Twins really wanted him, they could guarantee him a spot on the big-league roster. However, the fact that he cleared waivers means the league isn't certain he can be a major contributor in a big-league bullpen.
The Twins must make bullpen moves this offseason if they want to be competitive next year. Tom Pohlad said he plans to increase payroll, and signing some bullpen arms would be a good way to do so. Last year, the Twins' relievers ranked 26th in ERA at 4.74. Minnesota's bullpen improved after the additions of Jeff Hoffman, A.J. Minter and Tommy Nance, but the Twins still need to acquire more relievers, especially now that Minter is a free agent.
Add us as a preferred source on Google