MLB insider says SF Giants are among teams pursuing White Sox reliever

The SF Giants are among one of several teams pursuing a trade with the Chicago White Sox to acquire reliever Joe Kelly, per a report by Robert Murray.

The MLB trade deadline is less than a week away, and SF Giants fans are anxiously awaiting the team's moves. While Angels' megastar Shohei Ohtani may no longer be on the market, there are still plenty of paths to improving the team. FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray said the Giants were among several teams that have shown interest in Chicago White Sox right-handed relief pitcher Joe Kelly on the latest episode of The Baseball Insider.

Chicago White Sox reliever Joe Kelly throws a pitch against the SF Giants. (2023) / Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

"They are still looking to compete this year," Murray said. "Wouldn’t surprise me if they ended up looking at a bullpen arm. Pretty sure they’re another team that’s on Joe Kelly."

Kelly, a 12-year veteran, has been a high-level middle reliever and borderline setup arm for most of his career. He signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the White Sox prior to last season but has struggled on the South Side of Chicago. Kelly has a 5.59 ERA (4.97 in 2023) over the past two seasons, but his peripherals (3.14 FIP) suggest that he's been performing at a higher level than his traditional numbers may suggest.

This season, Kelly has amassed 41 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched with only 12 walks and three home runs allowed. Despite his high ERA, Kelly's expected ERA (3.05), FIP (3.25), and xFIP (3.08) all rank among the best single-season marks in his career.

On the surface, Kelly's potential fit in San Francisco may not make sense. The Giants' bullpen has been one of the team's biggest strengths over the past month, with Camilo Doval, Taylor Rogers, and Tyler Rogers creating a formidable trio at the back of the bullpen. However, San Francisco also has carried multiple bulk-innings options throughout the season. If they consolidate their starting pitching at the deadline, they could have an open spot on the pitching staff for another setup arm, like Kelly.

Kelly's contract does include a club option for the 2024 season, which could increase his value to some teams. However, the option would pay him $9.5 million if exercised ($1 million buyout if declined), which is far from a guarantee. Granted, even if the Giants may not want to do that, they could presumably exercise the option and try to trade him again during the offseason.

As the SF Giants prepare to fight for the second postseason berth of Farhan Zaidi's tenure as president of baseball operations, the front office is looking to upgrade the team's roster in a myriad of ways. According to Robert Murray, adding Chicago White Sox reliever Joe Kelly is one that the front office has paid attention to.