The Dodgers’ bullpen problems last year were serious enough that they nearly derailed the season. They would have lost the NL West if the Giants had managed to win just one lousy game in that final series. So, to fix that problem, the Dodgers signed Joe Kelly to a three-year, $25 million contract.
It was an uncharacteristic signing for Los Angeles. Despite their unlimited resources, they’ve been averse to signing relievers, players over 30, and guys who maybe haven’t been all that good. Kelly is all three, but he was excellent immediately before the Dodgers signed him.