Joe Kelly, the hard-throwing Major League Baseball pitcher renowned for his intense on-field presence and clutch postseason performances, has officially called time on his playing career. The 36-year-old right-hander declared he is "done pitching in the majors" during an appearance on the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast in early 2026, drawing the curtain on a 13-season journey that featured two World Series championships.
From Starter to Bullpen Ace: A Career Defined by Adaptability
Kelly's path to the big leagues began when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the third round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2012, initially working as a starting pitcher. His career took a pivotal turn in 2014 when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. By 2016, Kelly had transitioned to a full-time relief role, a move that unlocked his greatest success.
His crowning achievement in Boston came during the 2018 postseason run. Kelly was virtually untouchable out of the bullpen, making nine appearances with a stunning 0.79 ERA. He earned the win in the crucial Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping secure the championship for the Red Sox.
A Champion with Two Clubs: The Dodgers Chapter
In a twist of fate, Kelly joined the very team he helped defeat, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019. He proved instrumental again, contributing to the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory and earning a championship ring with his second franchise. After three seasons in LA, he signed with the Chicago White Sox in 2022 before a mid-2023 trade sent him back to the Dodgers.
His final MLB season was 2024, where he made 35 appearances, posting a 4.78 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He did not participate in the Dodgers' playoff run that year. Kelly stated he would only return for the 2025 season if the Dodgers re-signed him. When no deal materialised, he spent the entire 2025 season unsigned, quietly stepping away from the game.
"Athletes Don't Retire, We Stop Playing": Kelly's Candid Take
During his podcast announcement, Kelly offered a characteristically straightforward view on retirement. He humorously dismissed the term, saying, "Retiring is like something my grandmother did. Athletes don't really retire. We just stop playing." This marked the definitive end for a pitcher known for his high-velocity fastball and memorable playoff moments.
Joe Kelly leaves the sport with a legacy defined by resilience and big-game temperament. His career spanned over a decade, featuring memorable stops in St. Louis, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, ultimately concluding as a two-time World Series champion.
