Aug 24, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds closer Casey Kelly (84) pitches in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Reds won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Diamondbacks Sign Former First-Round Pick to MiLB Deal

Originally posted on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 4:26 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks have continued to address their bullpen on the open market. An under the radar move has come in the form of Casey Kelly, the former Red Sox first round pick.

Kelly, now a veteran journeyman, has struggled to find a consistent home. With a career ERA of 5.44 over 91 IP, the 35-year-old will help likely fill in the D-backs' Triple-A bullpen.

After beginning his major league career in minor roles with the Padres, Braves and Giants, Kelly then spent six seasons pitching overseas in the Korea Baseball Organization as a starter, pitching well over 150 innings each season from 2019-2023 with generally excellent success.

In that five-year stint, he pitched to a sub-4.00 ERA every year, but struggled to a 4.51 ERA in 2024, before coming back over to MLB.

In 2024 the right-hander pitched in just two games for the Reds, allowing three runs in five innings. He works a 5 pitch mix, primarily relying on a 90 mph four-seam, paired with a slider and changeup. Beyond that he also features a sinker and changeup from a 52 degree over-the-top arm angle.

The bullpen has been a sore spot for the Diamondbacks over the past few seasons and general manager Mike Hazen has put in work to create strong depth for the relief core. Kelly will supplement that group in Reno where he will make his case for a major league spot.

For more breaking news, in-depth analysis, and all things D-backs, stay tuned to Arizona Diamondbacks ON SI.