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Carson Kelly: A Bright Spot Amid Texas Rangers' Catching Struggles in 2024
As the 2024 MLB season concludes, it’s time to reflect on the key players who made a mark, including Carson Kelly, who joined the Texas Rangers during the trade deadline. Although the Rangers had a difficult season behind the plate, Kelly was one of the few players to shine in a position that struggled overall.
The catching situation for the Rangers in 2024 was less than ideal. Jonah Heim, who had an excellent All-Star campaign in 2023, experienced a significant drop in performance. Andrew Knizner, brought in to be his backup, was equally disappointing. Sam Huff, an up-and-coming prospect, saw limited action in the majors, and when he did play, his performance was underwhelming. Amid this turmoil, Kelly’s acquisition from the Detroit Tigers offered a brief but bright chapter.
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Kelly was having a solid season with Detroit before joining the Rangers. His arrival at the trade deadline brought hope, and he immediately became a fan favorite, not only for his potential but for his solid performances after stepping in for Knizner. His presence on the roster led to early speculation that he might even take over as the starting catcher. Fans began to question whether the Rangers should bring Kelly back for 2025, possibly pushing Heim into a backup role.
His stint in Texas, however, wasn’t as flawless as some might remember. While Kelly hit the ground running, batting .315 in his first month with the Rangers, his performance took a nosedive as the season wore on. After a promising start, where he hit .235/.291/.343 in 110 plate appearances, Kelly’s numbers sharply declined. By September, he slashed a poor .146/.226/.229 and struggled to make a significant impact in the Rangers' fading playoff hopes. Despite this downturn, it’s clear that Kelly showed flashes of being a dependable player for the Rangers.
Part of the reason Kelly’s time with the Rangers is remembered fondly is due to his early successes, when the team was still in playoff contention. His early performances made it easy to overlook his later struggles, but they also fit into a larger pattern in Kelly’s career. Historically, Kelly has been inconsistent, especially in September, where his OPS has been significantly lower than in the earlier months.
Despite the final month of his season being disappointing, Carson Kelly remains a solid backup catcher in the major leagues. He can step in and play regularly if needed, and his ability to contribute as a solid option off the bench or in a platoon role could make him an asset for any team moving forward. Though Kelly’s time in Texas ended with an unspectacular finish, his impact in the early part of his tenure left a lasting impression on both the fans and the front office, proving that he has value as a reliable catcher in the league.
Looking ahead, Kelly will likely sign a one-year deal with another team, where he’ll continue to provide depth and reliability behind the plate. But given his past struggles in September, teams should be cautious about counting on him for an extended stretch at the tail end of the season. The 2024 season may not have been a fairytale for Carson Kelly, but it was a reminder of his potential to contribute to a major league roster.
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