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Tyler Patrick Kelly (Hebrew: טיי קלי; born July 20, 1988) is an American-Israeli former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.[1] He plays for Team Israel.

Key Information

At the University of California, Davis, Kelly led the Big West Conference with a .397 batting average as a sophomore in 2008. That summer he was a 2008 Cape Cod League All Star playing for the Brewster Whitecaps.[2] The Baltimore Orioles selected Kelly in the 13th round (386th overall) of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. Kelly was a 2009 New York-Penn League All Star, a 2011 South Atlantic League All Star, a 2012 Carolina League All Star, and a 2013 Eastern League All Star.

The Mets promoted Kelly to the major leagues in his eighth pro season, in 2016, after 855 minor league games, and 3,063 minor league at bats. He was the starting third baseman for Team Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In April 2017, he was acquired by the Phillies, and in January 2018, he signed a contract to return to the Mets. In August 2019, Kelly announced his retirement from professional baseball.

In September 2019, he obtained Israeli citizenship. He played for Team Israel at the 2019 and 2023 European Baseball Championships. He also played for the team at the Africa/Europe 2020 Olympic Qualification tournament in Italy in September 2019, which Israel won to qualify to play baseball at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He played third base for Team Israel at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in the summer of 2021, and tied for fourth-most at the Olympics with four walks. Kelly also played for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Early life

[edit]

Kelly was born in Dallas, Texas, the first child of Pat and Diane Kelly, and is Jewish.[3] Ty Kelly's father is Catholic, and his mother is Jewish – by virtue of which he qualified to play for Team Israel.[4] His father played both college basketball and baseball for the Colorado Buffaloes, before serving as an assistant baseball coach at San Joaquin Delta College.[5] Ty Kelly is a vegan.[6]

Kelly attended St. Mary's High School in Stockton, California, where he played both basketball and baseball, graduating in 2006.[7][8][9] In baseball, he batted just under .400 as a senior, and received All-Tri-City Athletic League (TCAL) and all-area honors. In basketball, Kelly was named All-TCAL Defensive Player of the Year.[8]

College baseball

[edit]

Kelly played his freshman year of college baseball for the Loyola Marymount Lions. He then transferred to the University of California, Davis, where he majored in Communications in his sophomore and junior years.[8][10][11][12]

Kelly led the Big West Conference with a .397 batting average (BA) as a sophomore in 2008, and was # 2 in the Big West Conference in hits, with 94, playing for the Aggies.[11] He helped the Aggies reach the NCAA Division I baseball tournament in their first year of eligibility.[13]

In 2008, Kelly played collegiate summer baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and was named a league all-star.[11][14] He was on the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Watch List in 2009, and batted .307 with 20 doubles (tied for 3rd in the Conference).[11][15] His career batting average and hits total rank second and third, respectively, in Aggies history.[11]

Professional career

[edit]

Baltimore Orioles

[edit]

The Baltimore Orioles selected Kelly in the 13th round (386th overall) of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft.[1][11] He began his Minor League Baseball (MiLB) career that year as a third baseman and second baseman, with a .265 batting (BA) and 33 walks (BB) in 61 games, for the Short-Season A Aberdeen Ironbirds.[16] Kelly was named a 2009 mid-season New York-Penn League All Star.[11]

In 2010, Kelly played third base and second base for the Class-A Delmarva Shorebirds of the South Atlantic League; he batted .259 with 4 home runs (HR), 58 runs batted in (RBI), 30 doubles, 68 BB (5th in the league), and 11 sacrifice hits (3rd).[16][17] In 2011, Kelly batted .274 with 4 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 67 walks (5th in the league) for Delmarva, primarily playing third base and left field.[16][18] He was named a 2011 mid-season South Atlantic League All Star.[11]

In 2012, Kelly hit a combined .327/.425/.467, with 11 HR, and 70 RBI, split between the Advanced-A Frederick Keys of the Carolina League – for whom he batted .346 (2nd in the league)/.460 (2nd)/.513 (8th) with 54 walks (5th), while primarily playing second base and third base; Double-A Bowie Baysox of the Eastern League (primarily playing third base and left field); and Triple-A Norfolk Tides of the International League (IL) (playing second base and third base).[16] Kelly was named Player of the Week in the Carolina League on July 16, 2012.[11] He was named a 2012 mid-season Carolina League All Star.[11] Kelly was named an MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2012, for both Baltimore and Seattle. For the season, he led Orioles minor-leaguers in hits, batting, and total bases, and was third in RBI.[11]

Seattle Mariners

[edit]

In 2013, Kelly hit .283 in 72 games for Bowie before being traded to the Seattle Mariners on June 30, for outfielder Eric Thames.[19][1] He was named a 2013 mid-season Eastern League All Star.[11] Kelly then batted .320/.456/.406, with 51 BB, in 54 games, for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). His 5-walk game on August 16, 2013, tied a PCL single-game record.[12]

On the season, Kelly batted .298/.417/.392 and recorded 85 runs, 27 doubles, and 102 walks (second in the minors, behind Greg Bird), in 126 games.[16][11] He led the minor leagues in fewest swings-per-at-bat (at 30.8%).[20] Kelly was named a 2013 Baseball America High Class A All Star, and a 2013 MiLB.com Organization All-Star for Seattle.[11]

In returning to Tacoma for 2014, Kelly batted .263/.381 (10th in the league)/.412, with 15 homers, in 134 games; he started 64 games at second base, 36 games at third base, 15 games in right field, and 5 games in left field.[11][12] Kelly ranked 2nd in the PCL with 85 walks (trailing only Joc Pederson of the Dodgers), 8th in runs (81), and placed in the top 5 in MiLB in fewest swings-per-at-bat (with 36.4%).[20] He was named a 2014 MiLB.com Organization All-Star for Seattle.[11]

St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

Kelly was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Sam Gaviglio on November 20, 2014.[21] As a member of the Cardinals organization, Kelly played for the Triple–A Memphis Redbirds of the PCL and batted .203 in 79 games.[16]

Toronto Blue Jays

[edit]

On July 22, 2015, he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays,[22] and optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons of the IL. Kelly was designated for assignment on August 29, and outrighted to the Bisons on August 31. He played in 117 games in 2015, batting .226, with 3 home runs, and 33 RBI.[16] Kelly elected free agency on November 7.[23]

Kelly's career minor league stat line includes a .275/.374/.380 batting average, 54 home runs, 482 RBI, 3,892 at bats, and 1,094 games played.[11] He played 400 games at second base, 370 games at third base, 148 games in left field, 64 games in right field, 50 games at shortstop, 35 games in center field, 4 games at first base, and made 3 pitching appearances (3 innings in Triple-A).[16][11][24]

New York Mets

[edit]
Kelly in 2016

On November 13, 2015, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets that included an invitation to spring training.[25] The Mets promoted Kelly to the major leagues on May 23, 2016, in his eighth pro season (after 855 minor league games, and 3,063 minor league at bats), to replace an injured Lucas Duda.[26][27][10] At the time, he was leading the minor leagues with a .391 batting average and a .478 on base percentage.[10]

Kelly made his major league debut starting at third base against the Washington Nationals on May 24. Kelly hit his first home run against Jameson Taillon on June 8 in Pittsburgh.[10] In 2016, he had a 1.22 walks/strikeout ratio, the best in the major leagues, in 71 plate appearances.[28]

He played 39 games for the Mets at six different positions, batted .241/.352/.345 in 58 at bats, and got a hit in his only postseason at bat, against four-time All Star Madison Bumgarner.[29][1]

In February 2017, Kelly was outrighted to the Mets' Triple-A team and invited to major league spring training by the Mets.[30][31]

In 2017, he made the New York Mets' opening day roster, and played in one game as a pinch hitter.[32][33] Kelly was designated for assignment on April 8 in order to make room for pitcher Paul Sewald on the 25-man roster.[34]

Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)

[edit]

On April 10, 2017, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Kelly off waivers from the New York Mets.[35] Kelly was recalled by the Blue Jays on April 18 and placed on the team's 25-man roster, sat on the team's bench, and was then designated for assignment on April 21 without having appeared in a Major League game.[36][37]

Philadelphia Phillies

[edit]

On April 22, 2017, the Blue Jays sent Kelly to the Philadelphia Phillies, his third major league team of the season, for cash.[38]

In 69 games, Kelly played second base, third base, and all three outfield positions, and batted .193 (.400 in extra inning games)/.260/.341 with 2 home runs and 14 RBIs in 88 at bats.[1][39] On October 5, he elected to be a free agent.[1]

New York Mets (second stint)

[edit]
Kelly with the Mets in 2018

In January 2018, Kelly agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets, with an invitation to spring training.[40] In July, Kelly was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and accepted an assignment to AAA Las Vegas.[41] In the 2018 season, he had 11 at bats for the major league team.[1] On October 2, he elected to become a free agent.[42]

As of the end of the 2018 season, Kelly had played every position in the minor leagues except catcher.[43]

Los Angeles Angels

[edit]

On February 5, 2019, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels that included an invitation to spring training.[44]

On August 25, 2019, Kelly announced his retirement from professional baseball.[45] He humorously announced it on Twitter, as a four-time Pro Bowl football quarterback retired on the same day: "Andrew Luck trying to steal my retirement thunder. Let me have my moment, Andrew."[46] Kelly finished his major league career having batted .203/.288/.323, with 3 home runs, and 21 RBI, in 158 at bats, over 118 games.[1] He played 18 games at second base, 18 games in left field, 15 games at third base, 4 games in right field, 2 games in center field, and one game at first base.[1]

Seattle Mariners (second stint)

[edit]

On January 28, 2021, Kelly came out of retirement to sign with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[47] On April 7, 2021, prior to the AA season, Kelly was traded from Kansas City to the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in exchange for a PTBNL.[48]

On May 22, 2021, prior to the start of the ALPB season, Kelly’s contract was selected by the Seattle Mariners organization.[49] Kelly hit .227/.337/.333 with 2 home runs and 10 RBI in 24 games for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. He was released by the Mariners organization on July 8.[50]

Long Island Ducks

[edit]

On August 13, 2021, Kelly signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[51] He batted .298/.431/.386 and stole five bases in six attempts over 114 at bats, as he played all outfield positions and all infield positions other than first base over 38 games.[52] He became a free agent following the season.

Los Angeles Dodgers

[edit]

On March 7, 2022, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[53] He played in 22 games for the Oklahoma City Dodgers and five for the Tulsa Drillers, hitting .152 between the two levels.[16] Kelly was released on August 23.

Coaching career

[edit]

Seattle Mariners

[edit]

On March 8, 2023, Kelly announced he would be joining the coaching staff of the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, following his participation in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[54]

Tampa Bay Rays

[edit]

In 2025, Kelly was named hitting coach of the Florida Complex League Rays, the rookie-level affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.[55]

Team Israel; World Baseball Classic and Olympics

[edit]

Kelly was originally scheduled to play for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic qualifier in September 2016, but was called up to the Mets at the time, so he could not play.[4][56] He started at third base for Team Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic in the main tournament, in March 2017.[57][58]

After Israel – ranked #41 in the world – defeated third-ranked South Korea by a score of 2–1 in 10 innings in the first game, Kelly tweeted: "Definitely the most stressful game I've ever been a part of. But it was worth it."[59] He wore an Israel Baseball band around his left wrist into the 2017 season.[60] Later in 2017, playing at the Marlins when they held Jewish Heritage Day, Kelly said "I had tears in my eyes, hearing the Israel national anthem."[61]

In September 2019, Kelly obtained Israeli citizenship and joined Team Israel for the 2019 European Baseball Championship in Germany in September 2019.[62][63][64] His becoming Israeli made his Jewish grandmother, Gail, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida, very proud. Kelly said: "I mean, she loves being Jewish. She talks about her Jewish upbringing all the time, so this is really exciting for her."[65]

He also played for the team at the Africa/Europe 2020 Olympic Qualification tournament in Italy in September 2019, which Israel won to qualify to play baseball at the 2020 Summer Olympics.[66] Kelly played shortstop and batted .176/.300/.294 in the tournament.[67]

Kelly played third base for Team Israel at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in the summer of 2021, and tied for fourth-most at the Olympics with four walks.[68] He batted 1-for-16, and played error-less defense.[69]

Kelly played shortstop for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Miami, in March 2023.[70][71][72] He played for Team Israel manager and former All-Star Ian Kinsler, and alongside All-Star outfielder Joc Pederson and pitcher Dean Kremer, among others.[71][72][73]

Kelly played third base and batted .222/.444/.278 for Team Israel in the 2023 European Baseball Championship in September 2023 in the Czech Republic.[74][75]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ty Kelly

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tyler Patrick Kelly (born July 20, 1988), commonly known as Ty Kelly, is an American former and current coach in (MLB). He played three seasons in MLB as a switch-hitting and for the (2016, 2017, 2018) and Philadelphia Phillies (2017), appearing in 118 games with a .203 , three home runs, and 21 runs batted in across multiple positions including second base, left field, and pinch-hitting duties. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of the , Kelly made his MLB debut with the Mets on May 24, 2016, and later contributed to their 2016 National League Wild Card Game with a 1.000 in his only postseason at-bat. Of Jewish heritage through his mother, Kelly represented Team Israel in several international tournaments, including the and , the (held in 2021), where he recorded four walks, and other qualifiers, helping to elevate the team's global profile. His international play, inspired by a solidarity trip to with Jewish MLB players, deepened his connection to his heritage and made him a mainstay on rosters composed largely of Jewish-American athletes. After his final MLB appearance in 2018, Kelly continued in and independent ball through 2022, transitioning to with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate in 2023. As of 2025, he serves as the hitting coach for the Rays, the rookie-level affiliate of the organization.

Early life and education

Early life

Tyler Patrick Kelly was born on July 20, 1988, in , , to parents Patrick and Diane Kelly. His father, Patrick, had a background in athletics, having earned a dual scholarship to play and at the , and later pursued a coaching career in at institutions such as . The family relocated to during Kelly's early years, where he grew up in Tracy and developed his initial interests in sports. Kelly's mother, Diane, is Jewish, while his father is Catholic, giving him Jewish heritage through his maternal line that would later play a role in his eligibility for international competition with Team Israel. This background contributed to a household influenced by both athletic pursuits—stemming from his father's experiences—and a supportive environment for multifaceted development, including academics, as Kelly later pursued studies in communication. During his youth, Kelly showed early promise in through participation in local leagues, where he honed his skills as a switch-hitter, a versatility that became a hallmark of his playing style. He attended St. Mary's High School in , graduating in 2006, and balanced his focus between and , excelling in both while prioritizing a strong academic foundation alongside organized . This period laid the groundwork for his transition to , marking a pivotal step in his athletic aspirations.

College baseball

Kelly transferred to the after his freshman year at , attending from 2008 to 2012 while majoring in communication. He played baseball for the during the 2008 and 2009 seasons as the program transitioned to competition in the . Kelly balanced his athletic commitments with academics, ultimately graduating with a in 2012 while pursuing his professional career. Over two seasons with the Aggies, Kelly appeared in 113 games, batting .354 with 85 runs scored, 37 doubles, and 79 RBIs. His standout sophomore year in 2008 saw him lead the Big West with a .397 batting average on 94 hits, including 17 doubles and 4 home runs, while earning All-Big West Second Team honors; he also ranked second in the conference in hits. In 2009, as a junior, Kelly hit .307 with 20 doubles, 4 home runs, and 40 RBIs, receiving All-Big West Honorable Mention recognition. Following his junior season, Kelly gained additional exposure playing summer collegiate baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps in the prestigious , where he was named an all-star and helped elevate his visibility to professional scouts. His strong college performance culminated in being selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round (386th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft.

Professional playing career

Baltimore Orioles

Kelly was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round of the out of the . He signed with the organization on June 19, 2009, and began his professional career that summer with the Rookie-level of the New York-Penn League, where he batted .265 with one over 61 games. In 2010, Kelly advanced to the Class A of the , posting a .259 and four s in 129 games. He returned to in 2011, improving to a .274 average with another four s across 120 games. Kelly's performance earned him a promotion in 2012 to the Class A Advanced of the , where he hit .346 with nine s in 76 games; later that year, he moved up to the Double-A Bowie Baysox of the Eastern League (.308 average, one in 46 games) and made a brief Triple-A debut with the of the (.278 average, one in 11 games). He began the 2013 season with Bowie, batting .283 with one in 72 games before being traded. Over his time in the Orioles' system from 2009 to mid-2013, Kelly appeared in 515 games, compiling a .290 and 21 home runs. During this period, he emerged as a versatile , logging time at second base, third base, , and in , while capable of handling every position except . On June 30, 2013, the Orioles traded Kelly to the Mariners in exchange for outfielder .

Seattle Mariners (first stint)

Kelly joined the Seattle Mariners organization via trade from the Baltimore Orioles on June 30, 2013, in exchange for outfielder . He was assigned to the Triple-A upon acquisition and appeared in 54 games for the team that season, batting .320 with three home runs and 17 RBIs while drawing 51 walks. In 2014, Kelly returned to the Rainiers for a full season at the Triple-A level, where he hit .263 with 15 home runs and 80 RBIs over 134 games. His output ranked him among the leaders in walks (85, second in the league) and runs scored (81, eighth). Kelly's on-base skills and emerging power contributed to his value as a depth piece in the Mariners' system. Throughout his tenure, Kelly displayed notable positional versatility, capable of playing second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield. In 2014 alone, he started 64 games at second base, 36 at third base, 20 in the outfield (including 15 in right field and five in left), and appeared at shortstop as well. Kelly did not earn a major league call-up during this period, instead providing reliable upper-minors production for organizational depth. On November 20, 2014, the Mariners traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals for right-handed pitcher Sam Gaviglio.

St. Louis Cardinals

On November 20, 2014, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Kelly from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for pitcher Sam Gaviglio. He entered 2015 as a non-roster invitee and was optioned to the Triple-A on April 3. Kelly spent the entire 2015 season with Memphis in the , appearing in 79 games as a versatile across multiple positions including second base, third base, left field, center field, and right field. He batted .203 with 23 runs scored, 46 hits, five doubles, four triples, two home runs, and 21 RBI, while posting a .317 and drawing 38 walks against 43 strikeouts. His performance reflected organizational depth challenges at the major league level, limiting opportunities for promotion despite his multi-positional flexibility. Kelly saw no major league action during his tenure with the Cardinals. On July 21, 2015, the Cardinals designated him for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. He was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays the following day.

Toronto Blue Jays (first stint)

On July 22, 2015, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Kelly off waivers from the Cardinals following his designation for assignment by that organization. He was immediately assigned to the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the of the . Kelly appeared in 38 games with the Bisons during the remainder of the 2015 season, primarily playing second base, right field, and third base. In 144 at-bats, he batted .264 with 38 hits, including four doubles, one , and 16 RBI, while drawing 14 walks and stealing one base. His performance provided utility depth to the Bisons' infield and outfield, showcasing his versatility across multiple positions, though he did not receive a major league call-up during this period. On August 29, 2015, the Blue Jays designated Kelly for assignment to clear a roster spot. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Buffalo on August 31, where he continued playing until the end of the season. Kelly elected free agency on November 7, 2015, concluding his first engagement with the Blue Jays organization.

New York Mets (first stint)

On November 19, 2015, the New York Mets signed Ty Kelly as a free agent to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Kelly, a versatile infielder and outfielder who had previously been granted free agency by the Seattle Mariners organization, joined the Mets' system after seven seasons in the minors across multiple teams. Entering the 2016 season, Kelly earned a non-roster invitation to the Mets' camp but began the year assigned to the Triple-A 51s of the . There, he excelled offensively, posting a .328 with 89 hits, 21 doubles, two home runs, and 35 RBIs over 81 games, while demonstrating plate discipline with 38 walks against 42 strikeouts. His strong performance in the hitter-friendly PCL environment highlighted his potential as a contact-oriented switch-hitter capable of contributing across multiple positions. Kelly received his first major league call-up on May 23, 2016, and made his MLB debut the following day against the at , starting at third base and batting eighth. In his debut, he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts against Nationals starter , as New York fell 7-4. Kelly recorded his first major league hit on May 30, a ground-ball single to center off Chicago White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana during a 7-3 Mets win at . Throughout the 2016 season, Kelly appeared in 39 games for the Mets, primarily in a utility capacity to provide depth amid injuries to key players. He batted .241 (14-for-58) with one home run—a solo shot off Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Jameson Taillon on June 8—and seven RBIs, while drawing 11 walks for a .352 on-base percentage. Defensively, Kelly showcased his versatility by playing six positions: first base (1 game), second base (2 games), third base (10 games), left field (8 games), center field (1 game), and right field (1 game), often entering as a late-inning substitute or pinch hitter. His multi-positional flexibility proved valuable for a Mets team navigating a challenging campaign marked by pitching staff ailments, though he was optioned back to Las Vegas multiple times, including in June and August, before a September recall.

Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)

On April 10, 2017, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Kelly off waivers from the , marking his return to the organization after a brief stint in 2015. He was optioned to the Triple-A the following day to provide infield and outfield depth amid early-season roster adjustments. Kelly appeared in two games with , going 2-for-8 with a double and an RBI while playing multiple positions. On April 18, the Blue Jays recalled him to the major league roster, but he did not record an appearance during his three-day stay. The team designated Kelly for assignment on April 21 to make room for pitcher , and he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies two days later.

Philadelphia Phillies

On April 22, 2017, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Ty Kelly from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations, shortly after the Blue Jays had claimed him off waivers from the earlier that month. Kelly, a versatile utility and , was added to provide depth to the Phillies' bench during a rebuilding season. He made his Phillies debut the following day against the , starting at second base and going 0-for-4. Throughout the 2017 campaign, Kelly shuttled between the major leagues and Triple-A , appearing in 69 games for Philadelphia while spending time at second base, third base, left field, and as a . Kelly's performance with the Phillies was solid but limited by his role as a reserve player. In 147 plate appearances, he batted .243 with a .333 and .310 , recording 32 hits, including 6 doubles, 2 home runs, and 13 RBIs, along with 15 walks and 1 . His ability to play multiple positions proved valuable, as he logged starts across the infield and , contributing to a team that finished 66-96. Notable moments included a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth inning on May 14 against the , securing a 4-3 comeback victory, and a pinch-hit RBI double on June 15 versus the Boston Red Sox that drove in the game's only run in a 1-0 win against ace . Midway through the summer, Kelly delivered two of his most memorable contributions. On July 29, he recorded a walk-off single in the ninth inning against the , lifting the Phillies to a 4-3 win after Odúbel Herrera's tying . Later, on August 19 at , Kelly pinch-hit a grand slam off Giants reliever —his first career of the four-run variety—helping Philadelphia secure an 11-5 victory and providing a highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the team. These clutch performances underscored Kelly's value as a late-inning option despite his modest overall numbers. Kelly remained with the Phillies through the end of the 2017 season before being granted free agency on October 5. At age 29, his time in marked his most extensive major league exposure to that point, totaling 69 games and solidifying his reputation as a reliable amid roster turnover.

New York Mets (second stint)

On January 26, 2018, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the organization, including an invitation to , marking his return after earlier stints with the team from 2015 to 2017. He began the season with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s of the , where he played in 108 games, batting .259 with 8 home runs, 24 doubles, 5 triples, and 52 RBI. The Mets selected Kelly's contract from Triple-A on June 12, 2018, adding him to the active roster. He was optioned back to just three days later on June 15 but was recalled again on July 9. During this brief major league appearance, Kelly played in 9 games, recording 1 hit in 11 at-bats for a .091 , with no home runs or RBI. Kelly's final major league game came on July 23, 2018, against the New York Yankees, where he pinch-hit and struck out. The next day, on July 24, the Mets designated him for assignment to make room on the roster. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to on July 26, but elected free agency on October 1 after the season ended. Over his entire MLB career spanning parts of four seasons, Kelly appeared in 118 games, batting .203 with 3 home runs and 21 RBI.

Los Angeles Angels

Following his release from the New York Mets organization in October 2018, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the on February 5, 2019, which included an invitation to . He reported to major league camp but did not make the roster and was assigned to the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, the , on March 14, 2019. Kelly spent the entire 2019 season with the in the , appearing in 80 games primarily as a and utility . In 281 at-bats, he batted .246 with a .325 , recording 69 hits, including 12 doubles, three triples, and one home run, while driving in 22 runs and stealing three bases. His performance provided steady production in a hitter-friendly league, though he struggled with strikeouts, fanning 80 times. Despite his experience as a major league veteran, Kelly was not recalled to the Angels' major league roster at any point during the season, remaining in Triple-A to contribute depth to the Bees' lineup. On August 25, 2019, he was placed on the temporarily inactive list by , and the following day, Kelly announced his retirement from via . Kelly briefly retired but returned to in 2021, sitting out the 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19.

Seattle Mariners (second stint)

On May 22, 2021, the Seattle Mariners selected the contract of infielder Ty Kelly from the of the independent , assigning him to their Triple-A affiliate, the . This move brought Kelly back to the Mariners organization, where he had spent parts of the 2015 and 2016 seasons earlier in his career. Kelly appeared in 24 games for Tacoma during the 2021 season, batting .227 with two home runs and 10 RBI while posting a .337 and .333 . He showcased his positional versatility by playing second base in 13 games, third base in nine games, right field in two games, and in one game. The Mariners released Kelly from the Rainiers on July 8, 2021.

Long Island Ducks

Kelly signed with the of the Atlantic League on April 8, 2021, marking a return to following a brief retirement. As a veteran with prior MLB experience, he provided leadership and versatility to the independent league roster, playing multiple positions including outfield and infield. In his initial stint with the Ducks, Kelly appeared in 20 games before his contract was purchased by the Seattle Mariners organization on May 22, 2021. After being released by the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate on July 8, 2021, he re-signed with the Ducks as a on August 13, 2021. This second engagement with the team allowed him to continue adapting to the faster-paced, hitter-friendly environment of independent ball, where he focused on maintaining plate discipline and defensive flexibility amid a roster of emerging talent. Over the course of the 2021 season with , Kelly played 38 games, compiling a .298 with a .431 and .386 . He recorded 34 hits, including 10 doubles, scored 24 runs, drove in 8 RBIs, and stole 5 bases while drawing 28 walks. His performance highlighted a successful adjustment to non-affiliated , emphasizing contact hitting and baserunning over power production in the Atlantic League's high-offense context. Kelly became a at the end of the season.

Los Angeles Dodgers

On March 7, 2022, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the organization. He was assigned to the Triple-A Dodgers on March 29, 2022. Kelly appeared in 22 games for , batting .180 with 9 hits in 50 at-bats, including 2 doubles and 4 RBI. He primarily played second base (11 games) and third base (3 games), while also logging time in (2 games) and even pitching in one appearance. On July 27, 2022, he was transferred to the Double-A . With Tulsa, Kelly played 5 games, batting .063 (1-for-16) without extra-base hits. His positions there included (4 games) and right field (2 games). Kelly was released by the on August 23, 2022. Across 27 total games in the Dodgers' system, he hit .152 (10-for-66) with no home runs, concluding his tenure with the organization.

Seattle Mariners (third stint)

On March 20, 2023, the Seattle Mariners signed Kelly to a minor league contract and assigned him to the Triple-A of the . He appeared in 54 games for Tacoma, batting .320 (63-for-197) with a .456 and .406 . Kelly recorded 34 runs, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, and 17 RBIs, while drawing a league-high 51 walks against 41 strikeouts. Primarily playing second base, he provided depth. Kelly elected free agency on November 6, 2023.

International career

Team Israel and citizenship

Kelly's eligibility to play for Team stems from his maternal Jewish heritage, as his mother, Diane, is Jewish, which qualifies him under 's allowing Jews and their descendants to obtain . In 2016, Kelly was initially contacted by Peter Kurz, president of the Israel Association of Baseball, via email inquiring about his Jewish roots, which led to his commitment to join the national team for the . Kelly formally acquired Israeli citizenship in 2019, enabling his continued participation in international competitions for the national team. As a capable of filling multiple positions in the infield and outfield, Kelly has served as a versatile contributor to Team . His decision to represent was driven by personal motivations, including a desire to explore and strengthen his cultural ties to ; in January 2017, he traveled to with other Jewish-American players, visiting sites such as the and , which deepened his connection to the country. Kelly, who adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2018 to align with his ethical values and maintain physical fitness, found additional resonance in representing a team that emphasized community and shared heritage.

World Baseball Classic

Ty Kelly represented Team in the , qualifying through his Jewish heritage acquired via his mother. As a versatile and switch-hitter, he made six starts, primarily batting second in the lineup, and contributed to Israel's historic undefeated 3-0 record in Pool A play held in , , where the team defeated , , and the . This performance advanced Israel to the quarterfinals in for the first time in tournament history, marking a significant upset as a 200-1 underdog entering the event. In the quarterfinals, Kelly continued to provide defensive flexibility across multiple positions, helping secure a 4-1 upset victory over before a 3-8 loss to ended their run. Over the six games, he batted .208 (5-for-24) with solid at-bats against major league-caliber pitching, including facing players from teams like the Dodgers and Cubs. His adaptability as a switch-hitter and defender at third base and was key to Israel's cohesive play, showcasing the team's spirit and strategic depth. Kelly returned for the , serving as a utility infielder for Team Israel in Pool D at in . The team finished 1-2, earning a notable 3-1 upset win over —their only victory—while falling 1-5 to and 0-10 to the , failing to advance to the quarterfinals. With limited appearances in three games and seven plate appearances, Kelly went hitless but provided veteran leadership and defensive support at and second base against high-profile opponents like Puerto Rico's and Venezuela's . Throughout both tournaments, Kelly's switch-hitting ability and multi-positional defense exemplified Team Israel's reliance on players to compete against powerhouse nations, contributing to their reputation for resilient, upset-driven performances on the international stage.

Olympics

Ty Kelly represented at the in , delayed to 2021 due to the , marking the country's debut in Olympic baseball. Team Israel had qualified for the tournament by securing a spot in the Europe/ Olympic Qualifying Event through their fourth-place finish at the 2019 European Baseball Championship, followed by a victory in the 2019 qualifier tournament in . Kelly, who had previously competed for in the , joined the roster as a utility infielder eligible via his Jewish heritage and Israeli citizenship. In the Tokyo tournament, Kelly started all five games for Israel, batting .063 (1-for-16) with one double, two runs scored, four walks, and no RBIs, while tying for fourth on the team with four walks overall. Defensively, he demonstrated versatility, primarily at third base but also seeing action at shortstop, where he contributed to two double plays that helped stabilize the infield during key innings. Israel posted a 1-4 record in the preliminary and knockout stages: losses of 8-1 to the United States and 6-5 to South Korea in the preliminary round, a 12-5 win over Mexico in the preliminary round to advance to the quarterfinals, a 1-11 quarterfinal loss to South Korea, and a 6-7 loss to the Dominican Republic in the repechage round, finishing fifth overall. Kelly's lone hit, a double, came in the preliminary round game against Mexico and helped set up a scoring opportunity, underscoring his role in maintaining lineup depth amid the team's underdog status. As a U.S.-based player, Kelly navigated significant challenges, including stringent protocols that limited team interactions and required extended quarantines upon arrival in , as well as logistical hurdles for American participants traveling internationally during the pandemic. Despite the fifth-place finish without a , Israel's historic Olympic appearance—reaching the knockout stage as a debutant—sparked national pride, with Kelly later reflecting on the experience as a pivotal moment for growing the sport in Israel and connecting Jewish athletes globally.

European Championships

Ty Kelly debuted with Team Israel at the 2019 European Baseball Championship in , , shortly after obtaining Israeli citizenship in September of that year. Playing as an and , he appeared in 8 games, recording 6 hits in 30 at-bats for a .200 , while contributing defensively across multiple positions. Team Israel finished fourth overall in the tournament, a strong showing that secured their qualification for the Africa/Europe Olympic Qualification event the following year. As one of the team's experienced Major League veterans on a roster blending established players with emerging talent, Kelly provided key leadership during the competition, helping guide younger teammates through high-stakes continental play. Israel's performance underscored their growing regional dominance, having advanced from the B-Pool earlier in with a perfect 5-0 record, establishing them as a in European . Kelly returned for the in the , where he started all 6 games for , batting .222 with 4 hits in 18 at-bats, including 1 double and 3 RBIs, while drawing 7 walks to reach base at a .444 clip. The team placed sixth, but the event contributed to their , bolstering qualification prospects for the by accumulating points in the qualification cycle. His steady presence as a and mentor continued to support a younger core, emphasizing Team Israel's sustained competitiveness in Europe.

Coaching career

Seattle Mariners

Following his release from the organization in August 2022 after a brief playing stint that marked the conclusion of his professional playing career, Ty Kelly transitioned into coaching with the Seattle Mariners affiliate system. On March 8, 2023, Kelly announced his intention to join the coaching staff of the Triple-A , the Mariners' top team, as part of his shift to a full-time mentoring role post-World Baseball Classic participation with Team . To facilitate this move, the Mariners signed Kelly to a minor league contract on March 20, 2023, and immediately assigned him to the , where he was placed on the development list by March 31, allowing him to contribute to the coaching staff without active playing duties. In this capacity, Kelly served as a general coach under manager John Russell, supporting the team's efforts in player development throughout the 2023 season. Leveraging his extensive experience as a switch-hitting utility infielder across multiple league organizations, Kelly emphasized techniques for plate discipline, positional versatility, and adapting to various hitting scenarios in his work with Rainiers players. This background enabled him to provide targeted guidance on refining approaches at the plate and enhancing overall offensive strategies within the Mariners' farm system.

Tampa Bay Rays

In January 2025, Ty Kelly was named hitting coach for the Rays, the rookie-level affiliate of the based in . The Rays announced their full 2025 minor league coaching staffs on January 21, including Kelly's appointment to this entry-level position focused on foundational player development. Kelly's responsibilities center on developing young international signees and recent draft picks through instruction in hitting fundamentals, such as plate discipline and swing mechanics, to prepare them for advancement in the Rays' system. This aligns with the demands of rookie-league coaching, where emphasis is placed on building core skills for prospects transitioning from amateur or international play. Building on his prior experience as a coach with the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A in 2023, Kelly has incorporated data-driven hitting strategies into his approach, utilizing analytics to refine techniques and adapt to individual player needs. Early results in the 2025 season reflected positively, with the FCL Rays achieving a .500 record. In the long term, Kelly's work supports the Rays' player pipeline, helping to cultivate talent for higher levels and eventual major league contributions within one of baseball's most effective development organizations.

References

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