Joe Kelly Nearing Return to Dodgers

The hard-throwing relief pitcher is set to bolster the Dodgers' bullpen with a one-year contract, following a strong finish to the 2023 season.

Relief pitcher Joe Kelly is nearing a deal to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, with multiple outlets reporting a one-year contract is in the works.
Kelly, a Southern California native, has had a career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and the Dodgers, with a 53-37 record and a 3.95 ERA.
Despite an injury-plagued 2023 season and a challenging stint with the White Sox, Kelly found his form again with the Dodgers, closing out the regular season with a 1.74 ERA.
Kelly, who will be 36 in June, remains one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in baseball, with his four-seamer and sinker having a combined average velocity of 98.9 mph in 2023.
The Dodgers, who went 100-62 and won the NL West in 2023, are looking to bolster their bullpen as they aim for playoff success in the upcoming season.