The 2023 MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville came and went without the Los Angeles Dodgers — or any other team — signing Shohei Ohtani. While awaiting Ohtani’s decision, the Dodgers did finalize their one-year contract with Jason Heyward and reportedly agreed to terms with Joe Kelly on a deal for the 2024 season as well.
Kelly, who previously pitched for the Dodgers from 2019-2021, returned to the team this year as part of a trade with the Chicago White Sox that included in Lance Lynn. The veteran relief pitcher then became a free agent after the Dodgers declined a $9.5 million team option for next year.
Kelly received a $1 million buyout at the time and reportedly agreed to an $8 million salary for 2024. Although the right-hander is going to remain part of the Dodgers bullpen, he may do so with a new look.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers asked Kelly if he change from No. 17 in order for Ohtani to keep the only jersey number he’s worn thus far in his Major League career:
The Dodgers telephoned veteran reliever Joe Kelly this week to ask if he would surrender his uniform No. 17 to Ohtani.
A general manager believes the Dodgers making such a request with Kelly could signal confidence in their odds to sign Ohtani:
One GM told USA TODAY Sports that the Dodgers would have no reason to request a player to change his uniform number unless they truly believed Ohtani was signing with them.
While playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic this year, Ohtani wore No. 16. He explained during a press conference that 16 was his jersey number whenever playing for the country and that he wasn’t overly concerned about such detail.
Throughout his career playing in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Ohtani wore Nos. 23, 21, 24, 18, 20, 15, 26 and 17.
It’s unclear when the Dodgers may have spoken with Kelly, but it’s plausible their discussion was held prior to Ohtani visiting Dodger Stadium for a meeting last weekend in order to relay that information during the recruiting process. Though, it’s also possible the Dodgers contacted Kelly after meeting with Ohtani, perhaps encouraged by how the meeting went.
Manager Dave Roberts sent shockwaves throughout the sport when he revealed the Dodgers and Ohtani met. Executives from interested teams have not publicly shared such information out of respect for the request made by Ohtani and agent Nez Balelo.
Roberts explained he did not want to lie when asked directly about Ohtani, and believes terms were not violated due to not divulging any specifics from their discussion.
Joe Kelly jersey numbers
Kelly, who was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2009 MLB Draft, wore No. 58 with the team from 2012-2014.
Kelly then wore No. 56 with the Boston Red Sox from 2014-2018 before switching to the jersey number most fans associate him with over both stints with the Dodgers and while a member of the White Sox.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
