The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani to a massive contract that keeps getting even crazier.
Ohtani is officially a Dodger, and the excitement is palpable among fans, players, and the organization. L.A. has won the offseason by signing the two-way superstar, but the team has also made other significant moves.
One of those was bringing back World Series champion reliever Joe Kelly. The Dodgers brought back Kelly this past summer as part of the Lance Lynn deal before the trade deadline. Kelly looked great in his return, bringing the energy to Chavez Ravine while rocking the No. 17. However, Kelly now has a new number — No. 99 — since Ohtani will now rock No. 17.
The 35-year-old spoke to reporters at a holiday event on Wednesday and said why he gave Shohei his jersey No. 17.
“I wasn’t going to give it up to just anybody,” Kelly said. “If Shohei keeps performing, he’ll be a future Hall of Famer and I’ll be able to have my number retired. That’s the closest I’ll get to the Hall of Fame.”
per Joe Kelly via AP News
Kelly was then asked what Ohtani was giving him in return, and here’s what the righty reliever had to say.
“Oh, there’s a list, but no comment.”
per Joe Kelly via AP News
Kelly will enter 2024 with a new deal and a new jersey number. The Dodgers signed the veteran reliever to a one-year, $8 million deal.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports