Dodgers React to MLB Retirement News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 9:34 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off two consecutive World Series titles over the past two seasons. They have won the National League West each of the past four years and 12 of the past 13 seasons. In 2025, Los Angeles finished the regular season with a 93-69 record, and came back from a 3-2 deficit in the Fall Classic to take down the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games.

Before the 2024 season, the Dodgers' last trip to the World Series was in the shortened 2020 season, when they beat the Tampa Bay Rays in six games. This gave Los Angeles its first title in over three decades.

A big part of the Dodgers' postseason run that season was right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly (17) against the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series.© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Kelly, a reliever from Anaheim, California, played 13 years in the majors. He spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Dodgers in those seasons. In his career, Kelly made 485 regular-season appearances, pitching to a 3.98 ERA in 839 innings. He struck out 767 batters and walked 355 in his major-league tenure.

He last played with the Dodgers in 2024, when he made 35 appearances with a 4.78 ERA in 32 innings pitched.

Earlier this offseason, Kelly announced that his playing days were done. On Monday, the Dodgers reacted to this announcement on social media, congratulating him on a successful career.

"Congratulations Joe Kelly on 13 seasons in the Majors filled with unforgettable moments. You’ll always have a home at Dodger Stadium, Champ!" the caption read.

Congratulations Joe Kelly on 13 seasons in the Majors filled with unforgettable moments. You’ll always have a home at Dodger Stadium, Champ! pic.twitter.com/ayIY3B61Ix
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 13, 2026

While his statistics in the regular season were impressive in his career, Kelly's best memories came in the three World Series he pitched in. In eight Fall Classic appearances, Kelly posted a 2.03 ERA in 13 1/3 innings with 19 strikeouts and just three walks. He won three titles in his career, two with Los Angeles in 2020 and 2024 and one with the Red Sox in 2018.

As his career is now over, Dodgers fans will never forget his days in Los Angeles, helping them claim another ring.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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