After days of conflicting reports, the Nationals have officially announced the signing of right-hander Shawn Kelley to a three-year contract. The Frye McCann Sports client is said to have received a $15MM total guarantee over three years, with salaries of $4MM (2016) and $5.5MM (2017 and 2018).
Kelley, who turns 32 in April, posted a 2.45 ERA and 63 strikeouts (against just 15 walks) in 51 1/3 relief innings for the Padres in 2015. This fine performance was backed up by metrics like FIP (2.57), xFIP (2.91) and SIERA (2.55). Kelley also pitched well according to those advanced statistics in 2013-14 as a reliever for the Yankees but wasn’t as lucky on the ERA front, posting a 4.46 ERA in those two seasons.
It was certainly an opportune time for Kelley to post the best of his seven Major League seasons. Kelley has a career 3.67 ERA, 3.33 K/BB rate, 10.2 K/9 over 284 1/3 career innings. He has only a 33% ground ball rate for his career, but he improved greatly in that category last season with a career-best 42.7% number. He’s been effective against hitters on either side of the plate, and Kelley’s career splits indicate he’s actually been better against left-handed batters (.666 OPS) than right-handed batters (.711 OPS).
Between Kelley and left-hander Oliver Perez, Washington has now agreed to contracts with two notable relievers within the last week. The two deals are a big step towards the bullpen overhaul many expected for the Nats this offseason.
And since the news of the Kelley signing first broke, the Nats added two more pen arms. After agreeing to terms with veteran righty Yusmeiro Petit, the club shipped Yunel Escobar to the Angels for 23-year-old flamethrower Trevor Gott. All told, the Nats’ pen will features at least four new faces, though more change could still be to come.
It remains to be seen what the Nationals will end up doing in terms of high-leverage arms. Closer Jonathan Papelbon and setup man Drew Storen are both reportedly on the trading block, but it’s not clear what direction the organization could take in terms of acquisitions with Darren O’Day headed to the Orioles and Aroldis Chapman’s status in limbo.
Reports surfaced recently that Kelley’s market was heating up, so it’s no surprise that the reliever has now landed a new contract. Kelley was rated 44th on MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agents list, with Tim Dierkes projecting him to land a two-year, $12MM deal.
ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick tweeted the financial parameters of the deal, with Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweeting details. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweeted that the deal would go through. Jack Curry of the YES Network originally reported the signing (via Twitter) on December 8, though later reports suggested agreement was not yet finalized.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Had a good full year in San Diego but man did he mess up a lot of wins in his first 5 0r 10 appearances
So true! His numbers look good but he killed us in several key moments
I wonder if he was asleep when the deal was asleep. Considering it was 2:50 in Nashville
he actually lost us some games when he was in SD…there was a stretch there, in the beginning of the season, where he couldnt hold a lead or nullify rallies, to save his life.. So, for me, his progress is blurred, because I cant remember when that started and whether he sustained it after he came back from the DL..
The Nationals need to unload Papelbon.
Trade him to the Dodgers or Yankees.
Padres get Papelbon, give him a year to rebound his value while locking down games in SD
Why would you want that when the clubhouse dissension has been finally resolved.? Buddy’s allies out, Andy Green in with mostly new staff. Please no.
Papelbon will pitch somewhere and pitch well, though Joe Nathan, Rodney & Axford are probably better fits
Braves will take Papelbom for Swisher and Grilli.
Considering that Mike Maddux is the Nats new pitching coach, both Perez and Kelley look like good deals. To be continued….
Nobody wants Papelbon.
What will it take to get Andrew Miller?
If your talking Nats players, I’m sure the yanks would ask for a guy like Ross as the headliner maybe fedde if Ross is overvaluing Miller, then a victor Robles or Jeffrey Rodriguez type 2 of those four by themselves probably gets it done and honestly, Robles and Rodriguez are at the same level as fedde so maybe 2 out of those last three. I wouldn’t be opposed to that but I just hope Rizzo doesn’t give up Ross or turner in a deal for him!
I think Cashman would want Ross and a prospect for Miller.
What are the Jays waiting for.
After losing Zobrist and having money available, great idea for Mets to jump in and steal Kelley. That’s what I’d do but I ain’t the GM
I’ll take Adams, fieri,Benoit, Donnie wall <old school over that bum Kelley .
Are we sure this time?
I’m just gonna wait until an official announcement to believe it. I don’t understand what could possibly cause these conflicting reports. Poor sources maybe?
I watched Kelley a lot when he was with the Yanks, he needs to have his slider working to be effective. He can’t really throw his fastball by anyone. I look at him as a capable 6th inning pitcher. He can’t replace Storen or Pap.
I have idea Braves trade theran inciate albies grosser bethancourt hyams mckirham Perez couple more prospects for moncada swihart Kelly or Owens betts light or trey bell and Hanley Ramirez and Red Sox pay most off his contract
He did a great job in SD. Wish him well in DC