Texas Rangers: Keone Kela most valuable on the roster and most valuable reliever on the trade market

Texas Rangers closer, Keone Kela, has emerged as one of the top relievers in MLB. He is arguably THE top reliever in this year’s trade market.

Keone Kela saved his 23rd game in 23 opportunities last night against the Baltimore Orioles. He now ranks 7th in MLB in saves and is the only closer in the top 20 that is perfect in his opportunities. Furthermore, Kela is averaging 11 strikeouts per nine innings and has held opposing hitters to a measly .203 batting average in 2018. Cole Hamels has been chronicled as the Texas Rangers top trade chip; however, the table is beginning to tilt towards Keone Kela.

Top trade chip on the Rangers? He may very well be. But, let’s take it a step further…

Is Kela the top MLB relief pitcher on the trade market?

Please allow me to make his case…

Keone Kela is top-tier in arm talent

Surely, most of you have seen Kela pitch. If you haven’t, you should. He possesses the typical closer fastball, ranging from 95-98 mph. He also possesses the coveted elite secondary pitch that historically promotes closers from good to great. I’m referring to his wipeout curveball.

30 of Kela’s 39 strikeouts have come via the curveball in 2018. He has brilliant command of the pitch as evidenced by his willingness to throw it at any point in the count. He can spin the hook with the best of them and he can spot the hook with the best of them.

It is safe to say he has mastered the fastball/curveball combination. Just as Mariano Rivera had his cutter and Trevor Hoffman his changeup, Kela has his curveball. It is risky to mention Kela in the same sentence as the all-time saves leaders, but his stuff is at least slightly deserving of it.

Certainly, Kela deserves to be recognized as one of the top relievers in the game. In half a season, he’s transitioned from experimental closer to elite closer. He’s been so dominant that teams are beginning to take notice MLB wide.

Keone Kela is young and under control

Kela is a late bloomer in some respects, but he’s still only 25 years old. Potential suitors would be getting a player that has just entered into his prime. Kela has quality mechanics which bodes well for future health. Aside from a couple of visits to the DL in his short career, he has proven to be quite durable.

Another benefit to teams of interest is Kela’s contract. He is making just $1.2 million this season and he is arbitration eligible through 2020. Thus, a team that acquires Kela will have contractual control over him for at least the following two seasons.

Youth and team control make Keone Kela even more enticing. He is younger and more affordable than any other reliever on the market. And he might just be the most talented reliever on the market. Contending teams in need of bullpen help should be ringing Jon Daniels’ (Texas Rangers’ General Manger) phone off the hook in regard to Keone Kela.