Zack Kelly Bio
Zachery Reed Kelly, known professionally as Zack Kelly, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2022 after beginning his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Athletics in 2017. Kelly has pitched for the Oakland Athletics organization, the Los Angeles Angels system, and the Boston Red Sox, where he has built a reputation as a reliable relief pitcher.
Early Life and Background
Zachery Reed Kelly was born on March 3, 1995, and grew up in Virginia, where he attended Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville. He developed his pitching skills in the high school program before continuing his baseball career at the collegiate level. Kelly’s early education laid the foundation for his eventual transition into professional baseball.
After high school, Kelly enrolled at Concord University, where he pitched for the Concord Mountain Lions, an NCAA Division II program. He played as a starting pitcher during the 2014 season and continued developing his craft through his sophomore year. Following his time at Concord, Kelly transferred to Newberry College, joining the Newberry Wolves Division II baseball team for the remainder of his college career.
Path to Baseball
As a senior at Newberry College in 2017, Kelly delivered one of his strongest collegiate seasons, posting a 3.72 earned run average (ERA) with 94 strikeouts across 82 and one-third innings pitched. His performance drew the attention of MLB scouts despite his small-school background. Kelly went unselected in the 2017 MLB draft, but his college resume was strong enough to earn him an opportunity with a major-league organization.
Shortly after the draft, Kelly signed with the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent for a $500 signing bonus. He began his professional journey in the rookie-level Arizona League during the 2017 season. This marked Kelly’s entry into professional baseball and the start of his climb through the minor-league ranks.
Zack Kelly Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Kelly’s first professional season came in 2017 with the Oakland Athletics’ rookie-level affiliate in the Arizona League. The transition from college to professional baseball proved challenging, as Kelly later reflected that he likely lost money during his first year in the system. In April 2018, the Oakland Athletics released Kelly, ending his brief tenure with the organization.
Following his release, Kelly signed with the Los Angeles Angels organization. He played for three affiliates within the Angels’ system and reached the Class A-Advanced level with the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League. Across 18 total relief appearances that season, Kelly posted a 2.93 ERA and struck out 41 batters in 43 innings pitched, signaling his potential as a relief pitcher.
Angels System and Setbacks (2019-2020)
Kelly began the 2019 season with the Mobile BayBears of the Double-A Southern League and also appeared in one game with Inland Empire. Over 21 games, including 13 starts, he recorded a 3-7 record with a 4.88 ERA. The Angels released Kelly during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, briefly putting his career in jeopardy.
Shortly after his release, Kelly underwent surgery on his elbow to have a ligament reattached. The procedure was a major setback, but Kelly recovered and eventually earned another opportunity in professional baseball. His resilience during this period helped shape his mindset as he worked toward a return to the mound.
Boston Red Sox Breakthrough (2021-2022)
On January 4, 2021, Kelly signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization, giving him a fresh start. He spent the 2021 season pitching for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. At Portland, Kelly recorded a 1.69 ERA in 21 relief appearances before earning a promotion to Worcester, where he posted a 2.89 ERA in 15 relief appearances.
In 2022, the Red Sox invited Kelly to spring training as a non-roster player, and he returned to Worcester to begin the regular season. Through August 29, Kelly accrued a 2.72 ERA with Worcester, leading to his addition to Boston’s major-league roster. He made his MLB debut that evening against the Minnesota Twins. In 13 relief appearances with Boston, Kelly pitched to a 1-0 record with a 3.95 ERA and struck out 11 batters in 13 and two-thirds innings. Kelly was also named the 2022 recipient of the Lou Gorman Award, an honor given within the Red Sox organization.
Red Sox Era (2023-Present)
Kelly began the 2023 season in Boston’s bullpen, but a right elbow inflammation issue placed him on the injured list on April 13. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list three days later. On May 3, the Red Sox announced that Kelly would miss approximately four months after undergoing a successful ulnar nerve transposition revision in his right elbow. Kelly was activated from the injured list on September 24, successfully pitching for the Red Sox after a 166-day absence from major-league appearances.
Kelly was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to begin the 2024 season. On April 24, he was recalled from Worcester to replace injured pitcher Brayan Bello on the active roster. After being optioned again on May 26 to make room for Brad Keller, Kelly was promoted back to the major-league roster on June 5. He made his first MLB start on June 9 against the Chicago White Sox, pitching two scoreless innings as an opener.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kelly has built his career around a steady, relief-oriented pitching style, with an emphasis on generating swings and misses in high-leverage situations. His minor-league track record, including a 1.69 ERA at Portland in 2021 and a 2.93 ERA across the Angels’ system, demonstrates his ability to retire hitters consistently. Kelly’s transition from starter to reliever has allowed him to focus on shorter outings with maximum intensity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kelly’s MLB debut on August 29, 2022, against the Minnesota Twins stands as one of the defining moments of his career. Just days later, he was placed on the paternity list following the birth of his first child in September 2022. His return from a 166-day injury absence in September 2023 and his first MLB start on June 9, 2024, against the Chicago White Sox further highlight his perseverance and continued growth as a major-league pitcher.
Zack Kelly Career Wins
Across his professional career, Zack Kelly has recorded verified wins and strong performances at multiple minor-league levels and within Major League Baseball. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a major-league pitcher reflects both his persistence and his development as a relief arm.
MLB Highlights
Kelly made his MLB debut on August 29, 2022, against the Minnesota Twins. In 13 relief appearances during his rookie season, he posted a 1-0 record with a 3.95 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 13 and two-thirds innings. He was also named the 2022 recipient of the Lou Gorman Award, recognizing his contributions within the Red Sox organization.
Other Wins and Performances
During his time in the Boston Red Sox minor-league system in 2021, Kelly pitched to a 1.69 ERA in 21 relief appearances for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs before being promoted to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, where he recorded a 2.89 ERA in 15 relief appearances. Earlier in his career with the Angels’ system, Kelly posted a 2.93 ERA across 18 total relief appearances with the Inland Empire 66ers and other affiliates, striking out 41 batters in 43 innings.
Zack Kelly Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kelly is married and resides in South Carolina during the offseason. He and his wife, Brittany, welcomed their first child, a son, in September 2022, shortly after Kelly’s MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox.
Personal Life
Zachery Reed Kelly and his wife, Brittany, share a son born in 2022. Kelly is known for maintaining a private family life while continuing his professional baseball career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Zack Kelly is expected to compete for a role in the Boston Red Sox bullpen following his appearances during the 2024 campaign. His experience as both a reliever and an opener gives the Red Sox flexibility in how they deploy him out of the bullpen. Kelly’s prior major-league success, including his 1-0 record and 3.95 ERA in 2022, provides a strong foundation for his continued contributions.
Kelly’s recovery from elbow surgery in 2023 and his return to form in 2024 suggest that he remains a reliable option for Boston in high-leverage situations. His ability to pitch multiple innings when needed could prove valuable across the grind of a long MLB season. Continued health and consistent performance will be key factors in determining his role with the team in 2025.
As the Red Sox shape their bullpen for the upcoming year, Kelly’s mix of minor-league success, major-league experience, and recent durability positions him as a dependable depth option. His journey from undrafted free agent to MLB reliever remains one of perseverance, and the 2025 season offers another opportunity to build on that story.