Casey Kelly: Veteran Leader of the Pitching Staff
For a Reno staff that faced its share of turnover in 2025, one arm stood above the rest as the model of consistency. Veteran right-hander Casey Kelly, fresh off six seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization, provided stability to the Aces’ rotation and earned recognition as the Aces Pitcher of
For a Reno staff that faced its share of turnover in 2025, one arm stood above the rest as the model of consistency. Veteran right-hander Casey Kelly, fresh off six seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization, provided stability to the Aces’ rotation and earned recognition as the Aces Pitcher of the Year.
Kelly shouldered a heavy workload, becoming the only Reno pitcher to surpass 100 innings. In total, he logged 115.0 frames, striking out 61 while walking 48 and posting a 5.63 ERA. While the numbers were uneven at times, his dependability was invaluable for a team searching for reliable innings throughout the summer.
His first breakthrough came on June 17 against El Paso, when he delivered his first quality start of the season. Across six innings, he allowed only one unearned run while working around four walks, showing the poise and veteran savvy that became his hallmark.
That calm presence was forged overseas. Kelly had reinvented his career in Korea after signing with the LG Twins in 2019, where he became one of the KBO’s steadiest arms. Across six seasons, he amassed nearly 1,000 innings with a 3.25 ERA, highlighted by dominant campaigns in 2019 (2.55 ERA) and 2022 (2.54 ERA). His success abroad set the stage for his return to affiliated ball in 2025.
Take a bow, Casey Kelly 👏
— Reno Aces (@Aces) September 21, 2025
Our 2025 Pitcher of the Year throws a picture-perfect swan song to close his campaign 💙 pic.twitter.com/m5lQQI3aEu
The Diamondbacks called on Kelly in August, and he answered, tossing 1 ½ scoreless innings in the majors before rejoining Reno to close out the season. He saved some of his best work for last. On September 14, he blanked Las Vegas for five innings in his final home start at Greater Nevada Field. Then, in Albuquerque, he capped his season with his sharpest outing of the year — six scoreless innings with a season-high six strikeouts, allowing only two hits and one walk.
For Reno, Kelly’s season was about more than ERA and strikeouts. It was about durability, leadership, and giving the Aces a steady presence every fifth day. In his first full season back stateside, he showed why he has carved out a long, successful career on both sides of the Pacific.
The Reno Aces’ 2026 home opener is set for Friday, March 27th, as they host the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Season tickets are currently available at RenoAces.com or by calling (775)334-7000.
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