In early January 2023, the Milwaukee Brewers swung a trade with the Pirates. This trade brought in pitcher Bryse Wilson. With Wilson being added to the 40-man roster, reliever Trevor Kelley was designated for assignment. Kelley went on to clear waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Nashville. Rather than accept this, he decided to elect free agency.
From the Brewers: RHP Trevor Kelley cleared outright waivers, was assigned to Triple-A Nashville and elected free agency.
Kelley pitched in 18g in the Majors last season and gave up seven homers in 23 2/3 innings. He was DFA’d after the Brewers picked up Bryse Wilson.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 11, 2023
Brewers reliever Trevor Kelley elects free agency.
Kelley signed a minor league contract with the Brewers last off-season. By mid-May 2022, the Brew Crew added him to their 40-man roster and he made his debut with the team. Unfortunately, Kelley struggled at the big league level with the Brewers.
The 30-year old right-handed reliever pitched 23.2 innings for the Brewers in 2022 over the course of 18 games. His ERA ended at 6.08 and he surrendered seven home runs. It was a rough season at the major league level for Kelley last year.
This off-season, the Brewers have added a plethora of pitchers. Players on the 40-man roster and expected to have bullpen roles include Javy Guerra, Tyson Miller, Joel Payamps, Elvis Peguero, Cam Robinson, Abner Uribe, and Gus Varland.
Given all the additions, there really is no clear path back to the big leagues for Kelley with the Brewers. It is not surprising that he elected free agency. Odds are he will sign with another team with the hopes of working his way back to the big league level.
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