Carson

Kelly

Jon Heyman of MLB Network had reported earlier in the week that the two sides were nearing an agreement, so it’s no surprise to see that they got the details ironed out. The contract also includes a $7.5 million mutual option for the 2027 season. The 30-year-old backstop split his 2024 season between the Tigers and Rangers where he slashed .238/.313/.374 with nine homers and 37 RBI while grading out well in all defensive metrics. It’ll be interesting to see how exactly the playing time shakes out there between Kelly and Miguel Amaya with Matt Thaiss also potentially in the mix.

The Cubs also added Matt Thaiss this offseason, but they are looking to add veteran catchers who could split time with Miguel Amaya next year. Kelly played in 91 games between the Tigers and Rangers in 2024, hitting .238/.313/.374 with nine home runs, a 17.6 percent strikeout rate, and well above-average defensive metrics. He wouldn’t be on the fantasy radar outside of deep two-catcher formats, but it could be a solid real-world signing for the Cubs.

Kelly started the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning and gave the Rangers the lead again breaking a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning with an RBI double. He has hits in his last six games and is 9-for-23 (.391) with a double, a home run and six RBI in that span. Kelly is hitting .256 with a .741 OPS and 35 RBI on the season.

It’s warranted, considering that Kelly is hitting .333/.364/.524 in seven games since coming over from Detroit. He has a .734 OPS for the season, compared to .619 for Heim.

Kelly and the Rangers caught fire late and pushed the Yankees to the brink in a game where they trailed by five runs after the seventh inning. He’s not the most exciting name, but Kelly has started in five of 10 games since being acquired by the Rangers and that timeshare alone makes him attractive in two-catcher leagues.

The Rangers had been in the market for an upgrade to their second catcher spot, and Kelly should be able to provide just that. The 30-year-old grades out well in defensive metrics and in pitch framing and has slashed a respectable .242/.327/.393 with seven long balls and 29 RBI in 202 plate appearances with the Tigers this season. He can continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes though.

The 30-year-old backstop is having a solid season for the Tigers — slashing .242/.327/.393 with seven homers and 29 RBI in 202 plate appearances — and will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season. Kelly will function as the Rangers’ primary backup to Jonah Heim behind the plate. The Tigers were looking to free up a spot on their active roster for Dillon Dingler who has been languishing on Triple-A, so they’ll get an added benefit from the deal as well. No word yet on the return package that the Tigers will receive in the deal.

Kelly broke up a scoreless tie when he crushed a 387-foot (103.5 mph EV) grand slam off of David Festa in the third inning. That would be his only hit in four at-bats on the night, but was all the offense that Keider Montero and company would require in this one. On the season, the 29-year-old backstop is now hitting .245/.321/.406 with six homers and 25 RBI. He’s looking increasingly likely to be dealt in advance of the trade deadline at the end of the month.

Keith will take a seat with Andy Ibanez getting the start at second base in the 22-year-old’s place. Carson Kelly is also out with Ranger Suarez on the mound for the Phillies, with Jake Rogers instead getting the nod behind the plate.

Justyn-Henry Malloy had set the stage with a double into the gap in left-center, then Kelly followed with a 412-foot (103.9 mph EV) blast to left field that gave the Tigers an early 2-0 lead that they would never relinquish. That was the last good swing that the Tigers would have against Erick Fedde and company in the ballgame, but proved to be just enough. Kelly finished the night 1-for-3 and is now slashing .238/.324/.373 with four homers and seven RBI on the year.