Antwone Kelly
Antwone Kelly
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, but when he reached Bradenton at the end of 2023, his four-seamer and sinker ranged from 90-93 mph. He relies heavily on a slider and occasionally throws a change.
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.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2021: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.