Keone Kela

Keone Kela
Kela with the Texas Rangers in 2015
Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos – No. 29
Pitcher
Born: (1993-04-16) April 16, 1993
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 7, 2015, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record23–13
Earned run average3.33
Strikeouts279
Stats at Baseball Reference 
Teams

Keone Cole Kela (born April 16, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres.

Early life

Kela attended Carson Senior High School in Carson, California and graduated from Chief Sealth High School in Seattle, Washington.[1] He was chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB draft, but did not sign and enrolled at Everett Community College,[2] where he played college baseball as a center fielder for one season.[3]

Career

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers selected Kela as a pitcher in the 12th round, with the 396th overall selection, of the 2012 MLB draft.[2][3] Kela signed with the Rangers following the draft.[4]

In 2013, Kela reached the Single-A South Atlantic League.[5] He started the 2014 season in High-A, and was promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders of the Double-A Texas League.[4] The Rangers invited Kela to spring training in 2015.[6] Kela made the Rangers' Opening Day roster.[7] He collected his first career win against the Oakland Athletics on May 2, 2015. Kela finished his 2015 season with a 2.39 earned run average (ERA). He had elbow surgery and missed three months of the 2016 season. He pitched to a 5–1 record with a 6.09 ERA in 35 games in 2016.[8][9]

After he showed an unprofessional lack of effort in a minor league intrasquad game, the Rangers optioned Kela to the Round Rock Express of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League for the start of the 2017 season.[10][11] He made 39 appearances for the Rangers in 2017, missing time with a stiff right shoulder.[3] After the 2017 season, Kela underwent stem-cell therapy to treat his right shoulder.[12] Kela became the Rangers closer in 2018.[13]

Pittsburgh Pirates

On July 31, 2018, the Rangers traded Kela to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Taylor Hearn and Sherten Apostel.[14]

In an April 7, 2019 game against the Cincinnati Reds, Kela was ejected after his role in a bench clearing incident involving Chris Archer, Derek Dietrich, Yasiel Puig, Amir Garrett, David Bell, and Felipe Vázquez. On July 30, 2019, Kela was involved in a second bench-clearing fracas against the Reds and was suspended for 2 games on August 1. Kela made 32 appearances for the Pirates in 2019, pitching to a 2.12 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 29+2⁄3 innings. In 2020, Kela only made 3 appearances for the team, giving up 1 run in 2.0 innings with 3 strikeouts.[15]

San Diego Padres

On February 18, 2021, Kela signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the San Diego Padres.[16] On May 19, Kela underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his 2021 season.[17] In 12 games for San Diego, Kela pitched to a 2–2 record and 5.06 ERA with 13 strikeouts. On May 23, Kela was placed on the 60-day injured list as he recovered from the surgery.[18]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On March 16, 2022, Kela signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[19] He spent the year with the Triple-A Reno Aces, also making three scoreless appearances for the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Diamondbacks. In nine games for Reno, Kela logged an 0-1 record and 5.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts and one save over nine innings of work. He was released by the Diamondbacks organization on August 31.[20]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On September 1, 2022, Kela signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[20] He pitched 6+2⁄3 innings over seven games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, allowing six earned runs for a 6.75 ERA.[21] He elected free agency following the season on November 10.[22]

Tokyo Yakult Swallows

On December 21, 2022, Kela signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).[23] He made 15 appearances for their farm team but struggled to a 7.71 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 3 saves in 14 innings pitched. Kela did not appear for the Swallows in 2023, and was released by the club in October 2023.[24]

Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos

On February 6, 2024, Kela signed with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League.[25][26] In 42 relief outings for Dos Laredos, he compiled a 2.70 ERA with 40 strikeouts across 40 innings pitched. In late July, Kela was suspended for the remainder of the season, with the Mexican League fining him for his conduct during a game against Dorados de Chihuahua.[27][28]

On April 14, 2025, Kela re-signed with the Tecolotes.[29]

Chicago White Sox

On April 16, 2025, Kela signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.[30] In 16 appearances split between the Double-A Birmingham Barons and Triple-A Charlotte Knights, he struggled to a 1–2 record and 7.11 ERA with 27 strikeouts and one save over 19 innings of work. Kela was released by the White Sox organization on June 15.[31]

Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos (second stint)

On June 20, 2025, Kela signed with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League.[32] In 14 games 13.1 innings of relief he went 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA with 18 strikeouts and one save.

Personal

When Kela was born, his mother was 16 years old, and his father was 15 years old.[33] Though Kela was born in Los Angeles, much of his father's family is from Hawaii. His grandparents are from Keaukaha on the Big Island, where Kela spent each summer, enjoying Puhi Bay and Hilo.[34]

References

  1. ^ Divish, Ryan (April 18, 2015). "Keone Kela goes from Seattle-area high schools to living the dream of playing in the big leagues". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Chief Sealth graduate Keone Kela picked by Texas Rangers in 2012 Baseball Draft". West Seattle Herald. June 6, 2012. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Williams, Don (January 25, 2018). "Rangers' Keone Kela aims for healthy, productive season". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Davison, Drew (May 10, 2014). "Keone Kela is driven to be Texas Rangers' future closer". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  5. ^ Fraley, Gerry (January 12, 2014). "Texas Rangers prospect continues streak in Venezuela". Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on May 28, 2014.
  6. ^ Grant, Evan (March 19, 2015). "Grant: The future appears bright for the Rangers, but is it close?". Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on November 22, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  7. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (April 5, 2015). "Rookies DeShields Jr., Kela add youth, speed to Rangers' roster". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  8. ^ Wilson, Jeff (April 1, 2017). "Rangers demote Kela to preserve clubhouse chemistry". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  9. ^ T.R. Sullivan (January 20, 2016). "Rangers rely on Keone Kela, Tanner Scheppers". MLB.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  10. ^ "Sources: Players support Rangers' decision to ship out Kela". Star-Telegram. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  11. ^ "Source of Keone Kela's surprise demotion revealed; what is the edgy reliever's future with Rangers? - SportsDay". Dallas Morning News. April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  12. ^ "Texas Rangers: Stem-cell therapy has taken a weight off Keone Kela's shoulder | SportsDay". Dallas Morning News. January 28, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  13. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (March 29, 2018). "For starters, Keone Kela to get first shot as Rangers' closer". Fort Worth Star Telegram. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Berry, Adam (July 31, 2018). "Pirates acquire reliever Keone Kela". MLB.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  15. ^ "Keone Kela Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  16. ^ "Padres sign RHP Keone Kela to one-year contract". MLB.com. February 18, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  17. ^ Byrne, Connor (May 19, 2021). "Keone Kela Undergoes Tommy John Surgery". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  18. ^ "Padres Activate Wil Myers, Option Brian O'Grady to Triple-A". May 23, 2021.
  19. ^ "Diamondbacks Sign Keone Kela To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. March 16, 2022.
  20. ^ a b McDonald, Darragh (September 4, 2022). "Dodgers Sign Keone Kela To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors.
  21. ^ "2022 Oklahoma City Dodgers". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  22. ^ "2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams". Baseball America. November 13, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  23. ^ "ヤクルトが新助っ人のケラを獲得 メジャー通算243登板のリリーフ候補" Yakuruto ga shin suketto no kera o kakutoku mejā tsūsan 243 tōban no rirīfu kōho [Yakult acquires new relief pitcher Kela, a relief candidate with 243 appearances in the majors]. Yahoo! Japan (in Japanese). December 21, 2022. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022.
  24. ^ "今季ヤクルト入団の助っ人右腕　キオーニ・ケラが自由契約に" [Right-hander Keone Kela, who joined Yakult this season, is a free agent]. news.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  25. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 6 de febrero de 2024". milb.com. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  26. ^ "Tecos: Kela, Burgos y Sittinger; tres brazos de calidad Grandes Ligas" (in Spanish). Mexican League. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  27. ^ "Sanciones a Dorados de Chihuahua y Tecos de los Dos Laredos". Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (in Spanish). Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  28. ^ Kroeger, Garrett. "Tecos suspend reliever Keone Kela". Laredo Morning Times. Archived from the original on August 24, 2025. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  29. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 14 de abril de 2025" (in Spanish). Mexican League. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  30. ^ Franco, Anthony (April 17, 2025). "White Sox, Keone Kela Agree To Minor League Contract". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  31. ^ "Transactions". MiLB.com. June 15, 2025. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  32. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 21 de junio de 2025". lmb.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  33. ^ "Minor league Insider: Young life lessons help Frisco pitcher mature". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  34. ^ "Hilo gains another face in the show". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. August 3, 2012. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
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