The Chicago Cubs quest for a starting pitcher this offseason has been far from a secret. The team was one of the finalists to sign Tyson Ross and has shown trade interest in pitchers such as Chris Archer and Sonny Gray.
As the Cubs search for starting pitching depth, the club is reportedly interested in a former first round pick.
According to Fan Rag Sport’s Tommy Stoke, the Chicago Cubs have begun showing interest in former Red Sox, Padre and Brave Casey Kelly.
As #Cubs search for pitching depth, they're among teams to show interest in former #RedSox 1st rounder Casey Kelly.
— Tommy Stokke (@StokkeTommy) January 18, 2017
Kelly was once considered one of the better pitching prospects in the MLB. In 2010, ESPN ranked him as the 10th best prospect in baseball. He was one of the main pieces, along with Anthony Rizzo, that the Red Sox traded to San Diego in the Adrian Gonzalez trade.
After being traded from the Padres to Braves, Kelly hasn’t had much luck on the free agent. This is due to his atrocious performance on the mound over his three years in the league.
Kelly has appeared in 19 games and 62 innings. He holds a career 2-8 record with a 6.39 ERA and a 40/20 K/BB ratio.
Clearly the Chicago Cubs see something in Kelly. It’s important to note that Theo Epstein was Boston’s General Manager when Kelly was drafted. Perhaps Epstein feels that Kelly could return to his former top prospect glory.
If nothing else it would be a good buy-low signing for the Cubs. Kelly would likely have to settle for a minor league contract. If he can right the ship in the minors then he could potentially get a shot in the minors. But even if he doesn’t live up to that potential, the Cubs shouldn’t have too much money invested in him.
Casey Kelly isn’t Tyson Ross, or even Jason Hammel for that matter. But Theo Epstein was the one who drafted him, and clearly he thinks Kelly has potential.
It makes sense for a team like the Cubs to take a chance on the once promising prospect. It won’t blow fans away, but there’s a chance Epstein signs his former first round pick and brings Casey Kelly to the Windy City.
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