SEOUL - The LG Twins have announced they will be parting ways with veteran pitcher Casey Kelly, marking the end of his tenure with the defending Korean Series champions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kelly’s last game in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) will be his scheduled start against the Doosan Bears on Saturday. Kelly, who has been with the Twins since 2019, holds the record as the longest-tenured foreign player in the league this season and in the history of the Twins franchise. Despite his past achievements, including a career ERA of 3.08 from 2019 to 2023 and leading the team to a championship in 2023, Kelly has struggled this season with a 5-8 record and a 4.51 ERA.
Youm revealed that he learned of the roster decision on Friday morning and considered not playing Kelly in Saturday's game. However, he chose to allow Kelly a final start as a sign of respect for his contributions over the years. “He spoke with his family and decided he wanted to make one final start. And I think the guys are going to play hard for him today, because it would mean a lot to have him pick up the win in his final game,” Youm stated.
Throughout his time in the KBO, Kelly has been a standout player, leading the league in wins, starts, innings pitched, and strikeouts from 2019 to 2024. His performance was crucial in clinching the team's first championship in 29 years during the 2023 Korean Series. Despite his early struggles in 2024, Kelly showed signs of improvement in June, nearing a perfect game against the Samsung Lions.
The decision to release Kelly comes as the Twins seek a more dominant pitcher to lead their roster through the competitive season, despite currently holding second place in the league standings. Youm emphasized that Kelly’s legacy with the Twins would not be forgotten, hinting at a potential future role for him as an instructor post-retirement.
Saturday's game saw a strong start for the Twins, leading 6-0 in a rain-delayed match against the Bears. Kelly's departure marks a significant shift for the team as they continue to compete for top honors in the KBO.