Dodgers Reliever Joe Kelly Explains Why He Considered Skipping 2020 Season

While many will be rushing to the field with the MLB season starting in about a month, not every player has the same feeling. Money has been resolved, but health concerns remain, especially for those with families at home, like Joe Kelly.

Speaking on the Bradfo Sho podcast, the former Red Sox and current Dodgers pitcher delved into his thought process surrounding the 2020 season, both why he considered sitting out and ultimately deciding play out the shortened campaign.

With a wife and three kids, including a new set of twins, no one would question Kelly for sitting out 2020, with a focus on his family considering the risks at play. And he thought about doing so, saying, "My wife has joked about it but I know she was dead-ass serious. “Don’t even play.”

Kelly made the final decision to play though, largely due to his teammates. Considering the challenges of the coronavirus, Kelly said, "I could easily have been like, ‘I’m doing what is right for my family.’ But then I would get a text from DP (David Price) or Mookie (Betts)..." Those texts are what drove Kelly back to the diamond.

That experience echoes high school, where Kelly quit baseball but made a return to the sport. "So when I got to high school I got convinced by my friends to play baseball again. It’s kind of weird how it’s full circle. That’s the part I’m in right now."

Kelly clearly had a challenging decision in front of him. Despite choosing to play with the Dodgers, you can be sure Kelly will keep his family in mind each time he steps on the mound.