Zachery Reed Kelly Bio
Zachery Reed 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 a career that began when he signed with the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Kelly also played for the Los Angeles Angels before joining the Red Sox, where he established himself as a reliable relief pitcher.
Early Life and Background
Zachery Reed Kelly was born on March 3, 1995. He graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, Virginia. Following high school, he enrolled at Concord University, where he played college baseball in NCAA Division II for the Concord Mountain Lions as a starting pitcher in 2014. After his sophomore year, Kelly transferred to Newberry College to play for the Newberry Wolves, their Division II baseball team. As a senior in 2017, Kelly had a 3.72 earned run average (ERA) and recorded 94 strikeouts in 82+1⁄3 innings pitched.
Path to Baseball
After going unselected in the 2017 MLB draft, Kelly signed with the Oakland Athletics as an undrafted free agent for a $500 signing bonus. He pitched in the rookie-level Arizona League during 2017. Unfortunately, the Athletics released Kelly in April 2018. Kelly later reflected on his first year, stating, “My first year I probably paid to play to be honest with you. I definitely lost money.” Following his release, Kelly signed with the Los Angeles Angels organization and played for three teams in their system, reaching the Class A-Advanced level with the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League. In 18 total relief appearances during the season, he posted a 2.93 ERA and struck out 41 batters in 43 innings pitched.
Zachery Reed Kelly Career
Early Career (2017-2020)
Kelly began his professional career with the Oakland Athletics, where he pitched in the rookie-level Arizona League. After being released, he joined the Los Angeles Angels organization. During the 2019 season, he began with the Mobile BayBears of the Double-A Southern League and also played one game with Inland Empire, accruing an overall 3–7 record in 21 games (13 starts) with a 4.88 ERA. The Angels released him during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, and shortly thereafter, he underwent elbow surgery to have a ligament reattached.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
On January 4, 2021, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization. He spent the year playing for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. He had a 1.69 ERA in 21 relief appearances for Portland before being promoted to Worcester, where he had a 2.89 ERA in 15 relief appearances. In 2022, the Red Sox invited Kelly to spring training as a non-roster player. He returned to Worcester for the beginning of the season, accruing a 2.72 ERA through August 29, when he was added to Boston’s major-league roster. Kelly made his MLB debut that evening against the Minnesota Twins, and in 13 relief appearances with Boston, he pitched to a 1–0 record with a 3.95 ERA while striking out 11 batters in 13+2⁄3 innings.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kelly was the 2022 recipient of the Lou Gorman Award issued by the Red Sox organization. He began the 2023 season in Boston’s bullpen but was placed on the injured list on April 13 due to right elbow inflammation. After undergoing a successful ulnar nerve transposition revision in his right elbow, he was activated from the injured list on September 24, successfully pitching for the Red Sox after going 166 days between major-league appearances.
Zachery Reed Kelly Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zachery Reed Kelly has received recognition for his performance, including the Lou Gorman Award in 2022.
Zachery Reed Kelly Awards Won
Zachery Reed Kelly has won the Lou Gorman Award, showcasing his contributions and performance within the Boston Red Sox organization.
Zachery Reed Kelly Family
Zachery Reed Kelly is married to Brittany, and they reside in South Carolina during the offseason. They welcomed their first child, a son, in September 2022.
Personal Life
Kelly maintains a private personal life, focusing on his family and career. He balances his time between professional baseball and family life in South Carolina.
