Dodgers Rumors: LA Interested in Bringing Back Another Old Friend at Trade Deadline

The Dodgers are rumored to be interested in Joe Kelly.

The Dodgers desperately need bullpen help and are interested in reacquiring Joe Kelly from the Chicago White Sox.

The prices for trade pieces are high since every contending team wants pitching at the trading deadline. The Dodgers have been linked to Scott Barlow of the Kansas City Royals and David Robertson of the New York Mets. Both are right-handed relievers.

Kelly was a Dodger from 2019 to 2021 and left as a free agent. Since he was a Dodger, both Brandon Gomes and Andrew Friedman know what kind of character Kelly has. He has a killer instinct and would fit in the close-knit Dodger clubhouse. He would provide veteran leadership for the troublesome bullpen, something Dave Roberts wants.

Kelly could be either a setup man for Evan Phillips or the closer. After Daniel Hudson injured his knee, the Dodgers need a veteran who has experience doing both. On the mound, Kelly is mean and will stand up for his teammates, something the Dodgers don’t have and need as they go into the playoffs.

Kelly has postseason experience. He has two World Series rings from the 2018 Boston Red Sox and the 2020 Dodgers. With any reliever that the Dodgers obtain, they want postseason experience, so he will know how to handle the incredible pressure of the playoffs.

This year, Kelly has 41 strikeouts and 12 walks in 29 innings during 31 games. If Kelly can remain healthy and throw strikes, he would be an asset in the Dodger bullpen, and his fellow relievers would benefit from his attitude.