MLB Rumors: Ex-A’s reliever Shawn Kelley agrees to deal with Rangers

Shawn Kelley won't be back with the A's next season, but he reportedly will be staying in the American League West.

The 34-year-old reliever has agreed to a contract with the Texas Rangers, according to multiple reports.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports the deal is worth $2.5 million, with a $2.5 million club option for 2020. Feinsand notes Kelley could earn close to $3 million based on performance bonuses.

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Source: RHP Shawn Kelley has a one-year deal with the Rangers and has passed his physical. Deal is for $2.5M base salary, with a $2.5M club option for 2020 ($250K buyout). So he’s guaranteed $2.75M. Contract also has performance bonuses that can make each year worth almost $3M.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 28, 2019

NBC Sports California reported last week that Kelley was unlikely to return to Oakland, despite his stellar performance last season. The right-hander went 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 19 games with the A's. In 54 games between Washington and Oakland, he was 2-0 with a 2.94 ERA and 0.90 WHIP.

The A's did have conversations with Kelley's representatives earlier this offseason, but not since signing veteran right-hander Joakim Soria to a two-year, $15 million deal last month. While Oakland had hoped to bring Kelley back, they identified starting pitching as a higher priority.

The A's still figure to have a strong bullpen, which will feature All-Star closer Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, J.B. Wendelken, Fernando Rodney, Ryan Buchter, and Soria, among others. However, it's a bit surprising they were willing to bring back Rodney for $5.25 million, but not Kelley at about half that price.