Red Sox Remove Zack Kelly From 40-Man Roster
The Boston Red Sox designated reliever Zack Kelly for assignment on November 2, clearing a spot as they brought their roster into compliance. Other clubs can claim him on waivers or pursue a trade.
Boston designated right-handed reliever Zack Kelly for assignment on November 2, taking him off the team’s 40-man roster as clubs faced a deadline to finalize their rosters. The move came after the 2026 World Series ended the previous week.
Kelly, who will be out of minor-league options for the first time in 2027, is also eligible for arbitration. Boston could still trade him in the coming days. If another club claims him on waivers, he would leave the Red Sox organization. If no team claims him, Boston could assign him to the minors, though he could instead elect free agency.
The 31-year-old made his major-league debut in 2022 after working through the minors. He recorded a 3.95 ERA in 13 appearances that year, and his busiest season came in 2024, when he made 49 appearances and posted a 3.97 ERA.
Kelly appeared in 17 major-league games in 2026, finishing with a 3.31 ERA. He also spent time in the minors and dealt with an injury. His next step depends on whether another team claims or trades for him, or he remains with Boston after clearing waivers.