The Rangers have spoken to the Red Sox about right-hander Joe Kelly, reports MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan (via Twitter), who adds that Rays lefty Drew Smyly is another potential target for the Rangers. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo tweets that the Rangers are “very interested” in Kelly. Rob Bradford of WEEI spoke with Kelly himself, who acknowledged the possibility that he could be moved due to Boston’s rotation surplus.
Kelly, 27, struggled tremendously in his first 14 starts with Boston, logging a 5.67 ERA that prompted a demotion to the minors. Upon returning, Kelly pitched to a much-improved 3.77 ERA with a 50-to-18 K/BB ratio in 11 starts, including an impressive 2.35 mark across his final eight outings of the season. Kelly also averaged 95.4 mph on his fastball, ranking him among the game’s hardest-throwing starters, and can be controlled for three more seasons via the arbitration process. If Texas, or any other club, believes that his end-of-season production is sustainable, he’s certainly an appealing trade chip. And, of course, many have long believed that Kelly could thrive in a bullpen role, which would be a nice fallback option for any team should he not pan out in the rotation.
The 26-year-old Smyly stands out as another reasonable rotation target for the Rangers. Like Kelly, he’s controllable through the 2018 season, though he’s coming off a season that was significantly shortened by a small labral tear in his left shoulder. Smyly threw just 66 1/3 innings for the Rays in 2015, although they were high in quality, as has come to be the expectation. Smyly logged a 3.11 ERA with 10.4 K/9 against 2.7 BB/9 to go along with a 36.8 percent ground-ball rate. While the Rays have already moved one starter this winter in Nate Karns, reports have indicated over the past month that they’re open to moving another arm.
I like it. Mitch Moreland and Luke Jackson for Kelly. Make it happen.
and where would we play Moreland?
He’s very good defensivley at 1st but can play corner outfield too.
Charles you do understand that both first and the corner OF spots are held down by better players than Moreland in Boston, right? They literally have no place for him.
What about a 3 team trade with the Pirates receiving Moreland? Im not sure who would go where but it could make sense
If you’re referring to Hanley at 1st. I would argue Moreland is a vastly better defensive player and not far behind with the bat but I get it you’re paying the guy he has to play somewhere.
yeah, who is better than moreland at first?
You either way over value Kelly or way under value Moreland. Not sure which.
Kelly has 3 years of control compared to 1. No brainer considering Texas has plenty of left handed bats and if Kelly fails in the 5 hole of the rotation he can easily slide into the bullpen.
Trades are not always based on years of control remaining… Both guys have upside, but Kelly is very inconsistent.and is better suited for the BP. Texas has better options out there should they look to trade Moreland for a 5th starter.
Jackson for Kelly, straight up, makes more sense (and you win your years of control logic)..
We already have Shaw/Hanley and the OF is filled, so where would Moreland play? Also rather have three years of Kelly then one year of Moreland.
I think Kelly will ultimately be a bullpen arm and the Sox should keep him.
He already is a bullpen arm. He has shown since arriving that he can’t go more than 5 on a good day and with the acquisition of Price, he has no place in the rotation.
Both guys seem to have some upside left so.
It could be a bargain if Doug Brocail can work wonders on them.
Like to see the cards trade for smyly
Of the two, I would definitely go with Joe Kelly. What;s not to like? He’s young. He throws hard and won’t be a free agent until 2019. The Rangers need to add starting pitching depth on the cheap and he made $600K last year. We had only 2 10+ game winners last year and maybe both of them won’t be back (Gallardo/Lewis).
You don’t think that Luke Jackson has enough up side to trade just him? I hate to give up on Mitch. Who else is going to play 1st base every day?
Jackson’s ceiling is a potential closer down the road. I agree losing Moreland creates a hole at 1st. Nobody wants to see Prince attempt to waddle around out there. Hamilton and Gallo could both spend the winter preparing for a move to 1st as one possibility.
Why would you prefer Kelly? Smyly is younger and has just as much team control. However, I do see a big difference between the two, Smyly is good. In parts of four seasons, Smyly has never had a FIP or xFIP over 4.00, while Kelly has never had a FIP or xFIP under 4.00 in parts of four season. It shows in their career numbers.
Kelly: 3.82 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 4.12 xFIP, 6.43 K/9, 3.33 BB/9, 7.2 SwStr%
Smyly: 3.24 ERA, 3.53 FIP, 3.62 xFIP, 8.77 K/9, 2.55 BB/9, 10.1 SwStr%
Why is Kelly still not in the bullpen for us?!?!
The Rangers match up well with the Rays for Smyly. Would wonder what they would offer for him, or what the Rays would seek.
If this rumor is even remotely true & I am Rangers management, I am all over these Joe Kelly whispers like white on rice.