Keone Kela: Becomes free agent

The Padres declined their team option on Kela (elbow) on Friday, making him a free agent, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Having undergone Tommy John surgery in May, Kela is unlikely to pitch before the middle of next season. The righty hasn't posted solid numbers since 2019, but a team searching for cheap bullpen help figures to give Kela a shot in 2022.