PITTSBURGH (DA) — Antwone Kelly is headed to the major leagues, giving Aruba another arm on baseball’s biggest stage.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting the 22-year-old right-hander from Triple-A Indianapolis, where he has been one of the organization’s top pitching prospects.
Kelly is ranked as Pittsburgh’s No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline. He is set to become the fourth Aruban pitcher in MLB history.
The Aruba native went 3-4 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 54 innings for Indianapolis this season. He made 13 appearances, including 10 starts, before earning his first call-up.
Kelly’s fastball has reached 101 mph, giving the Pirates a power arm as they add him to the major league roster. He is expected to begin in Pittsburgh’s bullpen.
Kelly signed with the Pirates as an international free agent in 2021 for $100,000. He also represented the Netherlands in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Kelly will wear No. 62 with Pittsburgh.