Position: RHP
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 183 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 09/01/2003
Country: Aruba
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2021
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Pirates signed Kelly, a short and stocky right-hander, out of Aruba. After he signed his fastball reportedly jumped to the mid-90s. As a starter with Bradenton in 2024, his fastball sat in the mid-90s and reached 97. His main secondary pitches were a change and cutter.
2021-23
Pitching as a starter, Kelly had a solid debut in the DSL, with good walk and K rates. He improved significantly after struggling in his first few starts; in his last nine, he had an ERA of 2.87. Kelly moved up to the FCL in 2022. In 16 innings, he gave up one run, nine hits and five walks, and fanned 22.
Somewhat disappointingly, the Pirates sent Kelly back to the FCL for 2023. He pitched about the same as the previous year, although he did increase his workload by almost double. He had a 2.95 ERA, 4.1 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9. Kelly got into two games for Bradenton at the end of the season and pitched well.
2024
Kelly opened the 2024 season in the Bradenton rotation and stayed there except for an injury that cost him two months starting in late June. He got off to a shaky start, but pitched very well in May and June, with a 2.15 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 46 innings. He had three rough outings after returning late in the season, which combined with his weak early season left him with mediocre overall numbers.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2021: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.