During last July’s non-waiver trade deadline no team was more active than the Pittsburgh Pirates. By adding starting pitcher Chris Archer and reliever Keone Kela the Bucs added two of the best pitchers available at the deadline. They also made the team better not just for 2018, but in 2019 and beyond as well.
Prior to being traded to the Pirates, Kela served as the closer for the Texas Rangers. As closer, he converted 24 of 25 save opportunities. However, upon arriving in Pittsburgh his role changed.
With Felipe Vazquez entrenched as the Pirate closer Kela was made the team’s primary setup man.