Joe Kelly isn’t calling it a retirement, but he’s stepping away from the game - at least for now.
The longtime reliever, known for his electric fastball and fiery presence on the mound, announced during an appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast that he’s done playing baseball. At 37, after a rollercoaster of a career that included World Series rings, high-leverage October moments, and a few unforgettable dustups, Kelly is hanging up the cleats - though not in the traditional sense.
“I ain’t playing,” Kelly said bluntly. “There’s no such thing as retirement for athletes.
Retiring is something my grandmother did. Let’s cancel the word retirement.”
That quote is peak Joe Kelly - unfiltered, unconventional, and entirely on brand. He’s never been one to follow the script, and this next chapter appears no different.
Kelly’s journey with the Dodgers began in 2019, when he signed a three-year, $25 million deal after helping the Red Sox beat L.A. in the 2018 World Series. That postseason, he was one of Boston’s most dominant arms out of the bullpen - and then, in a twist that only baseball can deliver, he joined the very team he helped defeat.
Over the course of his Dodgers tenure, Kelly logged 161 appearances, 147.2 innings, and a 3.72 ERA. But numbers only tell part of the story. Kelly brought edge, swagger, and a certain fearlessness to the mound - traits that made him a fan favorite, especially in moments when the stakes were highest.
One of those moments came during the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series run. Kelly pitched 3.2 innings that postseason, allowing just one run and contributing to the franchise’s long-awaited championship.
It wasn’t the volume of work that stood out - it was the timing. Kelly was a trusted arm in Dave Roberts’ bullpen, and when called upon, he delivered.
After a stint with the White Sox beginning in 2022, Kelly returned to L.A. via trade. But injuries became a persistent storyline late in his career, and they ultimately limited his availability during the 2024 postseason. Despite his hopes of making a final push in 2025, that comeback never materialized.
“I’ve been playing by myself, with my friends, my buddies,” Kelly said. “I still have to throw to them probably two more times. I was a little rusty in my last one.”
Still, there were flashes. He spoke about a recent bullpen session where his breaking balls - always a key part of his arsenal - were finally back to form.
“They’re spinning good, spinning hard. Two different shapes.
That was the last thing besides ultimate command,” he said.
That kind of detail tells you this wasn’t a player who simply ran out of gas. Kelly still had the itch, still had the tools - but the grind of a full season, the day-to-day physical toll, and the mental demands of the job? That’s a different story.
And yet, even as he steps away, Kelly made it clear he’s not completely closing the door.
“I can throw gas still at 41,” he joked. “But now? Hell no, I ain’t playing.”
It’s a fitting exit - or pause - for one of the most colorful relievers of his era. Joe Kelly didn’t just pitch; he entertained.
He brought fire, personality, and a competitive edge to every team he played for. Whether it was jawing at hitters, throwing high heat, or flashing that signature smirk after a big strikeout, Kelly made sure you knew when he was on the mound.
So, is this the end? Maybe.
Maybe not. But for now, Joe Kelly is stepping away on his own terms - and in true Joe Kelly fashion, doing it his way.