White Sox reportedly beef up bullpen with Kelly signing, also add Harrison

Pitching depth.

On a Zoom call with reporters Friday, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn stressed the importance of having as many quality arms as possible heading into the upcoming 162-game season after a short spring training caused by the lockout.

"Pitching concerns might be a little heavier on our mind than the position player side of things, but generally, if there is a way to improve the club, we're going to exhaust those opportunities here over the next few weeks," Hahn said.

One day later, the Sox addressed the depth issue by reportedly signing veteran relief pitcher Joe Kelly to a two-year contract.

Hahn addressed the position side as well on Saturday, signing free-agent second baseman Josh Harrison to a one-year contract worth a reported $5.5 million with a $1.5 million club option for 2023.

The 33-year-old Kelly pitched for the Dodgers last season and was 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA, 2 saves and 50 strikeouts over 44 innings.

Before joining Los Angeles in 2019, the animated Kelly also pitched for the Cardinals and Red Sox. The hard-throwing righty is 50-29 with a 3.83 ERA over his 10-year career.

Kelly, who is also 4-3 with a 3.55 ERA in 40 postseason games, joins all-star closer Liam Hendriks, newcomer Kendall Graveman, Aaron Bummer and Garret Crochet and potentially gives the White Sox one of baseball's best bullpens.

Craig Kimbrel, who was acquired from the Cubs last July, is still in the Sox's bullpen but is almost certain to be traded.

Needing help at second base after sending Nick Madrigal to the Cubs in the Kimbrel deal and getting very little from replacement Cesar Hernandez, who is now with the Nationals, Harrison fills that hole for the White Sox.

Splitting last season between the Nationals and Athletics, Harrison hit .279/.341/.400 with 8 home runs and 60 RBI in 138 games.

A two-time all star with the Pirates, the 34-year-old Harrison has slashed .274/.318/.401 with 64 homers and 351 RBI over his career.

The Sox's other options at second base are Leury Garcia, Romy Gonzalez and Danny Mendick.