Home / Sports / Red Sox Cut Ties With 31-Year-Old Pitcher After 5 Seasons
Red Sox Cut Ties With 31-Year-Old Pitcher After 5 Seasons
7 Nov
Summary
- Zack Kelly is now a free agent after being waived by the Red Sox.
- His contract status and elbow injury influenced Boston's decision.
- A "strong market" is expected for Kelly despite his recent injury.
Right-handed pitcher Zack Kelly, 31, is heading to free agency after being designated for assignment and clearing waivers, concluding his five-year career with the Boston Red Sox. The team needed to make room on their 40-man roster ahead of the offseason deadline. Kelly's contract status, including being out of minor league options for 2027 and his first time being arbitration-eligible, prompted the move.
Kelly, originally signed by the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent in 2017, eventually made his MLB debut with the Red Sox on August 29, 2022. His career numbers with Boston include an 8-8 record, a 4.04 ERA, and 127 strikeouts in 115 appearances. His 2024 season was his best, with 49 appearances and a 3.97 ERA.
Injury concerns, particularly with his elbow, have been a recurring issue, including surgeries in 2020 and 2023, and a stress reaction/fracture in 2026. Despite the recent injury that ended his 2026 season, Kelly is expected to be healthy enough to contribute in 2027 and is anticipated to draw interest from other teams.
