Ex-Red Sox Fiery Fan-Favorite Reportedly Could Be Dealt; Boston Could Make Move For Reunion

Should the Red Sox reconnect with a fiery old friend?

The Boston Red Sox ended the first half of the season on an extremely positive note. 

Boston entered the All-Star break winners of five straight games and eight of its last 10 and currently are just two games back of the final American League Wild Card spot. The Red Sox are 48-43 so far this season and seem poised to add at the trade deadline, rather than sell. One player who reportedly could be available, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, and would make some sense to at least consider is former Boston fireballer and current Chicago White Sox reliever Joe Kelly.

"The White Sox are not yet ready to concede they are sellers, but that moment should be coming soon," Rosenthal said. "Their first nine games after the All-Star break are on the road against the (Atlanta Braves), (New York Mets), and (Minnesota Twins). If the Sox somehow build momentum during that stretch, more power to 'em. But no one who has watched them this season seriously expects that to happen.

"The White Sox's potential free agents include right-handed Lucas Giolito and right-handed relievers Keynan Middleton and Reynaldo López. Righty Lance Lynn and infielder Tim Anderson, also figure to be available. Righty reliever Joe Kelly would qualify for that list as well, but went on the injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation." 

Kelly has struggled since joining the White Sox ahead of the 2022 campaign but still could be an interesting piece to add to the Boston bullpen. When healthy, Kelly has put up some impressive advanced metrics this season. The righty is in the 98th percentile in fastball velocity, 94th percentile in average exit velocity, and 90th percentile in expected batting average against. 

The cost to acquire Kelly may not be extremely high as well -- especially because of his recent elbow injury -- but if he can get healthy, he could be of some help. Kelly developed into a fan-favorite in Boston for his solid play on the field, but also his fiery antics off of it. Maybe a reunion would make sense for the Red Sox as they look to get back to the postseason. 

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