Boston's crowded rotation has Kelly 'checking my phone'

Boston Red Sox right-hander Joe Kelly understands a surplus of starting pitching could lead to a change of address this winter.

"I haven't really checked up on anything, but I'll probably start checking my phone over the next week with the winter meetings," Kelly told Rob Bradford of WEEI. "That's always a possibility. We have six guys and obviously (David) Price isn't going anywhere. It will be interesting to see what will happen. I'll stay on my phone, that's for sure."

After handing a seven-year deal to Price, the Red Sox currently have seven arms capable of featuring in the rotation. Kelly is most likely projected to land in the bullpen to start the year, but there's been outside interest in acquiring the inconsistent 27-year-old.

The Texas Rangers have reportedly talked to the Red Sox regarding Kelly, according to TR Sullivan of MLB.com, while Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe adds that Kelly's name has been brought up a lot in trade talks.

Kelly has been very inconsistent in parts of two years in Boston. He battled through the first half of last season, then found success down the stretch after returning from a stint in Triple-A.

"I wouldn't say it's a relief, but it's something I can build on," Kelly said of his improved second half. "The first half was a struggle. You go on a stretch like that and it puts in the back of my mind that I can be successful. I feel very confident and excited that I can now use all my pitches for strikes."