Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Antoine Kelly and why did the Cubs trade for him?
Antoine Kelly is a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher the Cubs acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in early June 2026 for cash. The Cubs were desperate for healthy bullpen arms and were attracted to Kelly's high-90s velocity.
How did Antoine Kelly do in his only MLB appearance with the Cubs?
Kelly made one appearance against the New York Yankees at the end of July, striking out a batter, walking one, and allowing no hits or runs. He was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa about a week later and never returned to the big league roster.
What were Antoine Kelly's stats at Triple-A Iowa in 2026?
Kelly finished the 2026 season at Iowa with a 4.25 ERA, a 25.7% strikeout rate, and 22 walks in 29.2 innings after the trade. He also struggled with command, hitting two batters and throwing six wild pitches.
Is Antoine Kelly from the Chicago area?
Yes, Kelly is a local product who grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, and played high school baseball at Maine East. That made his call-up to Wrigley Field an especially meaningful moment in his career.
What happened to Antoine Kelly after the 2026 season?
Kelly elected free agency after the 2026 season, making him eligible to sign with any team. The Cubs are expected to consider reuniting with him on a minor-league deal, though nothing has been confirmed.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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