Carson Kelly

Carson Franklin Kelly was born on July 14, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kellyca02.shtml|title=Carson Kelly Stats|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 20, 2021}} His parents, Mike and Traci, are Chicago natives.{{cite web |last=Fentress|first=Aaron|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2012/06/oregon_ducks_recruit_carson_ke_2.html |title=Oregon Ducks recruit Carson Kelly catches glimpse of Major League life with St. Louis Cardinals |work=The Oregonian |date=June 15, 2012|access-date=November 30, 2014}} Mike worked as a Global Brand Marketing Director for Nike.{{cite web|last=Creamer|first=Chris|url=https://news.sportslogos.net/2021/06/13/arizona-d-backs-s-s-s-s-unveil-new-city-connect-serpientes-uniforms/baseball/|title=Arizona D-backs-s-s-s-s Unveil New City Connect 'Serpientes' Uniforms|work=sportslogos.net|date=June 13, 2021|access-date=August 20, 2021}} Kelly grew up a fan of the Chicago Cubs. His favorite player, however, was Derek Jeter, who "always seemed to find a way to win".{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/-8833630800449985389/carson-kelly-has-learned-from-yadier-molina-converted-family-to-cardinals-fans-live-chat-recap/ |title=Carson Kelly has learned from Yadier Molina, converted family to Cardinals fans: Live chat recap |work=The Oregonian |date=April 29, 2015 |access-date=December 5, 2018}} For most of his childhood, Kelly lived in Beaverton, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, although he and his family also briefly lived in Toronto around when Kelly was 12.

At the age of four, Kelly started playing baseball. He also played hockey while he lived in Toronto. Kelly attended Stoller Middle School and Westview High School in Beaverton, Oregon. He was a star player for Westview's baseball team, where he played the infield and also pitched. In 2011, his junior year, he appeared in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, a national high school all-star game.{{cite web|last=Ulmer|first=Jerry|url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/3671289255255081025/baseball-westviews-carson-kelly-picked-for-national-all-star-game/|title=Baseball: Westview's Carson Kelly picked for national all-star game|work=The Oregonian|date=April 20, 2011|access-date=November 30, 2014}} He was named the Gatorade Oregon Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012.{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/8962170370304413566/westviews-carson-kelly-chosen-gatorade-oregon-boys-baseball-player-of-the-year/|title=Westview's Carson Kelly chosen Gatorade Oregon boys baseball player of the year|work=The Oregonian|date=May 30, 2012|access-date=November 30, 2014}} He also won gold medals in the 2011 World Youth Baseball Championship and an under-18 international tournament.

File:Carson kELLY batting 02.jpg

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Kelly as a third baseman in the second round, 86th overall, of the 2012 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.{{cite web |last=Daschel |first=Nick |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/06/mlb_draft_st_louis_selects_wes.html |title=MLB Draft: St. Louis selects Westview's Carson Kelly as the No. 86 overall pick |work=The Oregonian |date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=November 30, 2014}} Though Kelly had committed to the University of Oregon to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks, he signed with the Cardinals instead, receiving a $1.6 million signing bonus.{{cite news|last1=Hummel|first1=Rick|title=Notebook: Cards prospect looks right at home|url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/notebook-cards-prospect-looks-right-at-home/article_5bff2ac6-c882-5157-bfc2-a79607556bad.html|access-date=December 30, 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=June 16, 2012|language=en}} He began his professional career that year with the Johnson City Cardinals of the Rookie-level Appalachian League, batting .225 with nine home runs and 25 runs batted in (RBIs) in 56 games.{{cite web |last=Carter|first=Aaron|url=http://www.centredaily.com/2013/06/23/3663246/big-league-dreams.html |title=State College Spikes: Teenager Kelly making good on big-league dreams |work=Centre Daily Times |date=June 23, 2013 |access-date=November 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708044838/https://www.centredaily.com/sports/mlb/state-college-spikes/article42821361.html|archive-date=July 8, 2018}}{{cite news |last=Hodge|first=Kelly |url=http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/article/100913 |title=Johnson City Cardinals expecting big things from 17-year-old third baseman this season |work=Johnson City Press |date=June 19, 2012|access-date=November 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204164752/http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/article/100913|archive-date=December 4, 2014}} In 2013, he was promoted to the Peoria Chiefs of the Single–A Midwest League. He struggled with Peoria, and was demoted to the State College Spikes of the Low–A New York–Penn League.{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Mark|url=http://www.kmov.com/sports/Prospect-Carson-Kelly-growing-under-watchful-eyes-of-Matheny-Molina-267045011.html |title=Prospect Carson Kelly growing under watchful eyes of Matheny, Molina |work=KMOV |date=July 14, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204194617/http://www.kmov.com/sports/Prospect-Carson-Kelly-growing-under-watchful-eyes-of-Matheny-Molina-267045011.html |archive-date=December 4, 2014 }} In 113 games between the two clubs he batted .257 with 6 home runs and 45 RBIs.

In 2013, Kelly and Gary LaRocque, the Cardinals' director of player development, discussed his switching positions to catcher. Kelly believed the switch would make him more valuable in the Cardinals' system and began to transition during the 2013–14 offseason.{{cite web|last=Makarewicz|first=Daniel|url=http://www.qconline.com/sports/cardinals-farmhand-kelly-embraces-new-role-as-catcher/article_29875435-263b-57ed-948c-3b45db696365.html |title=Cardinals farmhand Kelly embraces new role as catcher|work=The Dispatch / The Rock Island Argus|date=April 27, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2014}} Entering the 2014 season, Baseball America ranked him the 11th-best prospect for the Cardinals, and Baseball Prospectus ranked him St. Louis's sixth best. He played for Peoria in 2014,{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Mike|url=http://www.kmov.com/sports/Carson-Kelly-continues-to-adjust-behind-plate-draws-attention-from-Matheny-275107081.html |title=Carson Kelly continues to adjust behind plate, draws attention from Matheny |work=KMOV |date=September 15, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204194409/http://www.kmov.com/sports/Carson-Kelly-continues-to-adjust-behind-plate-draws-attention-from-Matheny-275107081.html |archive-date=December 4, 2014 }} and batted .248 with six home runs and 49 RBIs in 98 games. He spent the 2015 season with the Palm Beach Cardinals of the High–A Florida State League{{cite web |last=Jackson|first=Josh|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-113685320|title=Cardinals Prospect Primer: Wilson healthy |work=Minor League Baseball |date=March 31, 2015 |access-date=April 25, 2015}} and compiled a .219 batting average with eight home runs and 51 RBIs in 108 games. He won the 2015 minor leagues Rawlings Gold Glove Award for catchers.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-152084098 |title=Spikes alum Kelly named MiLB Gold Glove catcher |work=Minor League Baseball |date=September 28, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2015}}

Kelly was ranked the fourth-best prospect in the Cardinals system in 2016 by Baseball America. He began the 2016 season with the Springfield Cardinals of the Double–A Texas League. He was selected to the 2016 Texas League All-Star Game{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/184061512/cardinals-working-kolten-wong-at-center-field |title=Wong getting work in center field in Minors |work=MLB.com |date=June 14, 2016 |access-date=July 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121085618/https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/cardinals-working-kolten-wong-at-center-field-c184061512|archive-date=January 21, 2021}} and to the 2016 All-Star Futures Game.{{cite news |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/birdland/reyes-no-overall-leads-new-stream-of-cardinals-prospects-in/article_1849ffb9-8fb4-5898-9b79-8c48fe020a23.html |title=Reyes (No. 2 overall) leads new stream of Cardinals prospects in rankings |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=July 8, 2016}} After batting .287 with 6 home runs and 18 RBI in 64 games for Springfield, Kelly was promoted to the Memphis Redbirds of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League on July 11, 2016.

File:Carson Kelly in detroit2018 a.jpg

The Cardinals purchased Kelly's contract on September 4, 2016, promoting him to the major leagues as part of September callups.{{cite web |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/199479032/cards-add-catchers-pena--kelly-to-roster |title=Cards add catchers Pena & Kelly to roster |work=MLB.com |date=September 4, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709035439/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/199479032/cards-add-catchers-pena--kelly-to-roster/ |url-status=dead }} In 96 games between Springfield and Memphis prior to his call up he compiled a .289 batting average/.343 on-base percentage/.395 slugging percentage with six home runs and 32 RBIs. He made his major league debut on September 5 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his first at bat, he hit a line drive double in the eighth inning. He then scored his first run as the Cardinals won 12–6.{{cite web|last=Langosch|first=Jenifer|url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/199777864/cardinals-carson-kelly-doubles-in-debut|title=Kelly doubles in first Major League at-bat|work=MLB.com|date=September 5, 2016|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710021802/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/199777864/cardinals-carson-kelly-doubles-in-debut/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Berry|first1=Adam|last2=Langosch|first2=Jenifer|url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/199683752/adam-wainwright-cardinals-beat-pirates|title=Waino drives in 3 as Cards gain ground in WC race|work=MLB.com|date=September 5, 2016|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709162452/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/199683752/adam-wainwright-cardinals-beat-pirates/|url-status=dead}} Kelly appeared in 10 games with St. Louis in 2016, batting .154 with one RBI. After the season, the Cardinals assigned Kelly to the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League (AFL). In 21 games for Glendale, he batted .286 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kelly-001car|title=Carson Kelly Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 22, 2021}} The Cardinals also named Kelly their 2016 Minor League Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/carson-kelly-luke-weaver-named-2016-minor-league-player-pitcher-of-the-211260018|title=Carson Kelly, Luke Weaver named 2016 Minor League Player, Pitcher of the Year|work=MLB.com|date=December 15, 2016|access-date=August 20, 2021}}

Prior to 2017, Baseball America ranked Kelly the Cardinals' third-best prospect and best defensive catcher. He returned to Memphis to begin 2017. On April 11, he hit multiple home runs against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/carson-kelly-608348|title=Carson Kelly Stats, Fantasy & News|work=MLB.com|access-date=August 21, 2021}} (Note: May need to click "View More Bio Info+" for some of the information.) He was named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month for May after batting .381 with a .447 on-base percentage.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/kelly-tabbed-cardinals-minor-league-player-of-the-month-234544748|title=Kelly Tabbed Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month|work=Minor League Baseball|date=June 5, 2017|access-date=August 21, 2021}} He had a game-ending RBI single against the Round Rock Express on July 14, his 23rd birthday. In 68 games for Memphis, he posted a .283 batting average with ten home runs and 41 RBIs.{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/player/carson-kelly-608348|title=Carson Kelly Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |work=Minor League Baseball |access-date=May 23, 2018}} He was recalled to St. Louis on July 21, replacing Eric Fryer, who was designated for assignment, as the backup to Yadier Molina.{{cite web|last=Langosch|first=Jenifer|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/carson-kelly-called-up-randal-grichuk-returns-c243500998|title=Kelly, Grichuk, Duke make strong showings|work=MLB.com|date=July 21, 2017|access-date=August 20, 2021}} In the game that day, he had a two-RBI double as St. Louis beat the Chicago Cubs 11–4.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201707210.shtml|title=St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs Box Score, July 21, 2017|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 20, 2021}} He spent the remainder of the season with the Cardinals.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=kellyca02&t=b&year=2017|title=Carson Kelly 2017 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 21, 2021}} In 34 games for St. Louis he batted .174/.240/.217.

MLB.com ranked Kelly as St. Louis's third-best prospect going into the 2018 season, while Baseball America ranked him as St. Louis's best defensive catcher.{{cite web|last=Mayo|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-2018-top-30-prospects-led-by-reyes/c-266879032?tid=151437456|title=Cards' Top 30 Prospects list led by MLB-ready talent|work=MLB.com|date=February 22, 2018|access-date=February 22, 2018}} He began the season with Memphis and received his first 2018 promotion to the major leagues on May 6 when Molina was placed on the disabled list. However, Kelly was placed on the disabled list on May 17 with a right hamstring sprain. He was not injured long, returning to the active roster on May 26.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/e45ea373e27741268fdc6eb7643e67d1|title=Cardinals' Kelly to the DL, Wainwright moved to 60-day DL|work=Associated Press|date=May 17, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2021}} On June 4, he was optioned to Memphis, as the Cardinals elected to keep Francisco Peña as Molina's backup.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=penafr01&t=b&year=2018|title=Francisco Pena 2018 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 21, 2021}} In 83 games for Memphis, he batted .269 with 7 home runs and 41 RBIs. He was again recalled by St. Louis when rosters expanded on September 1.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/cardinals-first-september-call-ups-kelly-poncedeleon-webb|title=Cardinals' First September Callups: Kelly, Poncedeleon, Webb|work=Fox Sports|date=August 31, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2021}} In 19 games for St. Louis, he batted .114 with no home runs and three RBIs.

File:Carson Kelly (48053078363) (cropped).jpg

On December 5, 2018, the Cardinals traded Kelly, Luke Weaver, Andy Young, and a draft pick to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.{{cite web|title=Diamondbacks trade Paul Goldschmidt to Cardinals|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25461805/arizona-diamondbacks-trade-paul-goldschmidt-st-louis-cardinals?sf203717225=1|work=ESPN|date=December 5, 2018|access-date=December 5, 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Thornburg|first1=Chad|title=Cardinals trade for Paul Goldschmidt|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-goldschmidt-traded-to-cardinals/c-301503636?tid=282421090|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB|date=December 5, 2018|access-date=December 5, 2018}}

Prior to the 2019 season, Baseball America ranked Kelly the Diamondbacks' fourth-best prospect and best defensive catcher. The Diamondbacks started the season with three catchers. Manager Torey Lovullo hoped that Kelly, Alex Avila, and John Ryan Murphy would be a "three-headed monster" at the position.{{cite web|last=Piecoro|first=Nick|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2019/03/30/carson-kelly-waiting-patiently-first-start-diamondbacks/3323587002/|title=Carson Kelly waiting patiently for first start with Diamondbacks|work=The Arizona Republic|date=March 30, 2019|access-date=September 1, 2021}} His first game with the Diamondbacks started on March 29 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a game that lasted for six hours and five minutes, setting a record for the longest ever played at Dodger Stadium. Kelly had a pinch-hit RBI in the top of the 13th, helping Arizona win 5–4.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401074748|title=Kelly's hit ends D-backs' 13-inning win over Dodgers, 5-4|work=ESPN|date=March 30, 2019|access-date=August 20, 2021}} Against the Boston Red Sox on April 6, he had three RBIs, including a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Arizona a 5–4 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401074845|title=Red Sox fall, tie worst start in team history at 2-8|work=ESPN|date=April 6, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2021}} On May 4, he hit his first career home run, the second of back-to-back homers against Kyle Freeland as Arizona beat the Colorado Rockies 9–2.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jake|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1931076/d-backs-catcher-carson-kelly-hits-first-career-home-run/|title=D-backs' catcher Carson Kelly hits first career home run|work=Arizona Sports|date=May 4, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2021}} The Diamondbacks designated Murphy for assignment on May 25, leaving Kelly and Avila as the team's main catchers.{{Cite web |last=Shapiro|first=Danny|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1950634/d-backs-recall-taylor-clarke-designate-john-ryan-murphy-for-assignment/ |title=D-backs recall Taylor Clarke, designate John Ryan Murphy for assignment |work=Arizona Sports |language=en |date=May 25, 2019|access-date=July 24, 2019}} On July 3, Kelly's home run against Kenley Jansen put the Diamondbacks ahead in the ninth, though they eventually lost 5–4 to the Dodgers in 10 innings. His three-run home run against John Means on July 24 helped the Diamondbacks beat the Baltimore Orioles 5–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401076258|title=Kelly's homer lifts Diamondbacks over Orioles 5-2|work=ESPN|date=July 24, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2021}} He had his first multi-home run game on August 9, tying a game against the Dodgers with a two-run blast in the ninth inning and hitting a solo shot in the 11th to secure a 3–2 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401076466|title=Dodgers, D-backs clear benches after heated 11th|work=ESPN|date=August 10, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2021}} In 2019, Kelly batted .245/.348/.478 with 18 home runs and 47 RBIs over 111 games.{{cite web|last=Magruder|first=Jack|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackmagruder/2019/08/14/in-carson-kelly-arizona-has-found-a-long-term-answer-behind-the-plate/#3c8bfa804f46|title=In Carson Kelly, Arizona Has Found A Long-Term Answer Behind The Plate|work=Forbes|date=August 14, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2021|url-access=limited}} His 18 home runs tied Miguel Montero's Diamondbacks record for the most home runs hit by a catcher in a season.{{cite web|last=Gilbert|first=Steve|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/carson-kelly-homer-leads-d-backs-rally|title=Kelly's HR ties record, leads uprising past Rox|work=MLB.com|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009143502/https://www.mlb.com/news/carson-kelly-homer-leads-d-backs-rally|archive-date=October 9, 2020}}

The 2020 season did not start until July 24 due to the impact of COVID-19.{{cite web |last1=Simon |first1=Andrew |title=MLB's 60-game schedule for 2020 unveiled |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-major-league-baseball-schedule-released |work=MLB.com |access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101011118/https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-major-league-baseball-schedule-released|archive-date=November 1, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Zach|url=https://theathletic.com/1414060/2019/11/27/by-signing-stephen-vogt-the-diamondbacks-double-down-on-offense-at-the-catcher-position/|title=By signing Stephen Vogt, the Diamondbacks double down on offense at the catcher position|work=The Athletic|date=November 26, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2021|url-access=subscription}} On August 9, after starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner struggled and lasted only two innings, Kelly pitched a scoreless inning during a blowout loss to the San Diego Padres.{{cite web |date=August 9, 2020 |title=Carson Kelly pitches the 8th |url=https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/video/carson-kelly-pitches-the-8th |access-date=August 22, 2021 |work=MLB.com}}{{cite web|last=Drake|first=Tyler|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/2347746/d-backs-madison-bumgarner-lasts-just-2-innings-in-loss-to-padres/|title=D-backs' Madison Bumgarner lasts just 2 innings in loss to Padres|work=Arizona Sports|date=August 9, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2021}} Kelly appeared in a majority of games at the catching position in 2020, splitting time with Stephen Vogt but getting most of the September starts.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=kellyca02&t=b&year=2020|title=Carson Kelly 2020 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=September 1, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=vogtst01&t=b&year=2020|title=Stephen Vogt 2020 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=September 1, 2021}} In 39 games, Kelly batted .221 with five home runs and 19 RBIs.

Kelly began the 2021 season hitting .338 with 6 home runs before being placed on the injured list (IL) on May 17 with a toe fracture.{{cite web|last=Rill|first=Jake|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/carson-kelly-placed-on-10-day-injured-list|title=C. Kelly (toe fracture) among 3 placed on IL|work=MLB.com|date=May 15, 2021|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525215339/https://www.mlb.com/news/carson-kelly-placed-on-10-day-injured-list|archive-date=May 25, 2021}} He was activated on May 25.{{cite web|last=Rill|first=Jake|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-activate-carson-kelly-option-daulton-varsho|title=D-backs activate Kelly, send down Varsho|work=MLB.com|date=May 25, 2021|access-date=August 20, 2021}} However, he only batted .171 over his next 22 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=kellyca02&t=b&year=2021|title=Carson Kelly 2021 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 20, 2021}} On June 19, Kelly suffered another fracture, this time to his wrist, and was once again placed on the IL.{{cite web|url=https://boxscorenews.com/arizona-diamondbacks-place-catcher-carson-kelly-on-il-with-fractured-wrist-p161241-188.htm|title=Arizona Diamondbacks place catcher Carson Kelly on IL with fractured wrist|work=Boxscore|date=June 20, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021}} He returned on July 30.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401228611|title=Cabrera's double in 10th lifts D-backs over Dodgers 6-5|work=ESPN|date=July 31, 2021|access-date=August 20, 2021}} Kelly played in 104 games for the Diamondbacks during the 2022 campaign, batting .211/.282/.334 with seven home runs and 35 RBI.{{Cite web|title=Carson Kelly 2022 batting Stats Per Game - MLB|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/32797/year/2022/category/batting|access-date=January 19, 2025|website=espn.com|language=en}}

On January 13, 2023, Kelly agreed to a one-year, $4.275 million contract with the Diamondbacks, avoiding salary arbitration.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/2023-mlb-arbitration-tracker.html|title=2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker|access-date=January 13, 2023|website=MLBTradeRumors}} On March 20, Kelly left a spring training game after he was hit in the arm by a pitch from Chicago White Sox reliever Gregory Santos. The next day, he was diagnosed with a fractured right forearm.{{Cite web|title=Diamondbacks' Carson Kelly: Diagnosed with fractured forearm|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/diamondbacks-carson-kelly-diagnosed-with-fractured-forearm/amp/|access-date=March 22, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Kelly was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 20.{{Cite web|title=D-backs place Carson Kelly on 60-day IL, select RHP Austin Adams from Triple-A Reno|url=https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/d-backs-move-carson-kelly-on-il-select-rhp-austin-adams-from-triple-a-reno/3523993/|access-date=May 20, 2023|website=arizonasports.com|date=May 20, 2023 |language=en}} After an eight–game rehab assignment with the Triple–A Reno Aces, Kelly was activated and assumed the roster spot of José Herrera, who was sent down to Triple–A.{{Cite web|title=Diamondbacks' Carson Kelly: Reinstated from 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/diamondbacks-carson-kelly-reinstated-from-60-day-il/amp/|access-date=June 12, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 32 games for the Diamondbacks, he batted .226/.283/.298 with one home run and six RBIs. On August 13, Kelly was designated for assignment following the promotion of Bryce Jarvis.{{Cite web|title=D-backs DFA catcher Carson Kelly as Gabriel Moreno activated|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38185716/d-backs-dfa-catcher-carson-kelly-gabriel-moreno-activated|access-date=August 13, 2023|website=ESPN|date=August 13, 2023 |language=en}} He was released by the Diamondbacks on August 15.{{Cite web|title=Carson Kelly: Cut by D-Backs|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/carson-kelly-cut-by-d-backs/amp/|access-date=August 15, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

On August 19, 2023, Kelly signed a major league contract with the Detroit Tigers that included a club option for the 2024 season.{{cite news |title=Tigers release veteran catcher Eric Haase, sign Carson Kelly |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38222664/tigers-release-veteran-catcher-eric-haase-sign-carson-kelly |access-date=August 20, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=August 19, 2023}} The option, worth $3.5 million, was picked up on November 6. despite Kelly hitting .173 in 18 games for Detroit.{{cite news |last1=Petzold |first1=Evan |title=Detroit Tigers pick up catcher Carson Kelly's $3.5 million club option for 2024 season |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/11/06/detroit-tigers-pick-up-catcher-carson-kelly-option-for-2024/71461188007/ |access-date=July 28, 2024 |work=Detroit Free Press |date=November 6, 2023}}

Kelly appeared in 60 contests for the Tigers in 2024, hitting .240/.325/.391 with seven home runs and 29 RBI.{{Cite web|title=Tigers trade Carson Kelly to Rangers for 2 prospects, clear way for Dillon Dingler|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2024/07/28/detroit-tigers-trade-carson-kelly-to-texas-rangers-for-2-prospects/74582766007/|access-date=July 29, 2024|website=detroitnews.com|language=en}}

On July 28, 2024, the Tigers traded Kelly to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Tyler Owens and Liam Hicks.{{cite news |title=Rangers acquire catcher Carson Kelly from Tigers for two minor leaguers |url= https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5664935/2024/07/28/rangers-trade-carson-kelly-tigers/ |access-date=July 28, 2024 |agency=New York Times | publisher=The Athletic |date=July 28, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Rangers acquire catcher Carson Kelly in trade with Tigers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40668406/rangers-acquire-catcher-carson-kelly-trade-tigers |access-date=July 28, 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=July 28, 2024}} In 31 games for Texas, Kelly batted .235/.291/.343 with two home runs and eight RBI.

On December 13, 2024, Kelly signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. The deal included a mutual option for 2027 worth $7.5 million and a $1.5 million buyout should the option be declined.{{cite web|last1=Bastian|first1=Jordan|last2=McCalvy|first2=Adam|title=Long-time Cubs fan Kelly gives club catching depth in return to Chicago |url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/carson-kelly-contract-with-cubs|website=mlb.com|publisher=MLB|date=December 13, 2024|accessdate=December 13, 2024}} On March 31, 2025, Kelly hit for the cycle in just his third game with the team, in an 18–3 victory against the Athletics, becoming the first Cub to achieve the feat since Mark Grace in 1993, and the first player in MLB history to hit for the cycle in the month of March.{{cite news |last1=DeRosa |first1=Theo |title=The first cycle of 2025 season belongs to ... a catcher! |url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/carson-kelly-hits-for-cycle-cubs |access-date=April 1, 2025 |publisher=MLB.com |date=March 31, 2025}}{{cite news |title=Carson Kelly first Cubs player to hit for cycle in 32 years |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44486848/cubs-carson-kelly-first-ever-player-hit-march-cycle |access-date=April 1, 2025 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=March 31, 2025}}

Kelly and his wife, Eloise, married in 2020.{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Zach|url=https://theathletic.com/1699537/2020/03/25/puzzles-and-35-percent-less-screen-time-carson-kelly-on-life-without-baseball/|title=Puzzles and 35 percent less screen time: Carson Kelly on life without baseball|work=The Athletic|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=August 21, 2021|url-access=subscription}} A golfer, Kelly participated in the 2020 Waste Management Pro Am.{{cite web|last=Drake|first=Tyler|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/2234672/get-in-the-hole-a-look-at-the-2020-waste-management-phoenix-open-new/|title=Get in the hole! A look at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open|work=Arizona Sports|date=January 30, 2020|access-date=August 20, 2021}} His younger brother, Parker, played college baseball for the University of Oregon{{cite web|url=http://www.pjstar.com/article/20140511/Sports/140519929|title=Cards prospect Carson Kelly catching on in position switch with Chiefs|first=Dave |last=Eminian|work=Journal Star |location=Peoria, IL|date=May 11, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2014}} and was drafted by the Cardinals in the 20th round of the 2018 MLB draft.{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Tim|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2018/06/mlb_draft_parker_kelly_of_oreg.html |title=MLB draft: Parker Kelly of Oregon Ducks selected by St. Louis Cardinals, could join his brother Carson in big leagues |work=The Oregonian |date=June 6, 2018 |access-date=December 5, 2018}} Parker played for two seasons in the minor leagues for the Cardinals before moving on to independent league baseball.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=kelly-000par|title=Parker Kelly College, Amateur, Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics & History|work=Baseball-Reference|access-date=August 21, 2021}}

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