Right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly, who spent six seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League and recorded 73 wins, has found a new home in American professional baseball.

According to "MLB Trade Rumors," a source for MLB player movement news, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 2nd (Korean time).

The outlet predicts that Kelly will compete for a spot on the team's 40-man roster rather than immediately securing one.

Kelly was initially drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His early career was marked by challenges, including Tommy John surgery, but he eventually made his long-awaited MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2012.

After stints with the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants, Kelly joined the LG Twins of the KBO League in 2019, where he truly flourished.

During his six seasons in Korea, Kelly appeared in 163 games, posting a 73-46 record with a 3.25 ERA. In 2023, he played a crucial role as the team's ace, contributing to their first 통합 championship in 29 years.

However, his performance dipped in the previous season, recording a 5-8 record with a 4.51 ERA, leading to his departure from LG. He subsequently signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

In his return to the major leagues, Kelly earned his first MLB save with three scoreless innings. However, he struggled in his next outing and was promptly demoted to the minor leagues.

After leaving Cincinnati, Kelly spent time visiting the Arizona Diamondbacks' spring training site, where LG was also training, before deciding to put on a uniform once again.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]