Pirates closer Keone Kela 'fairly confident' that MLB, players union can come to an agreement

Keone Kela believes major leaguers want to play baseball this summer and said he is “fairly confident” that the MLB Players Association can come to an agreement with the owners.

The Pittsburgh Pirates closer expressed hope the 2020 season can resume during an interview with Bucco Talk host Dan Zangrilli that aired Saturday morning on 93.7 FM.

“I’m encouraged by it,” Kela said. “I believe that people will have the opportunity to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play ball and, hopefully, possibly at PNC Park — possibly without fans, as well. But I think it would be a good spark for the whole nation to get the game going and give people something to root for.”

Kela addressed the 67-page MLB proposal with health and safety guidelines, players taking pay cuts and his own impending free agency in a wide-ranging interview.

The 27-year-old right-hander expressed concerns about some of the recommendations for safe distancing in games, given the frequency with which players can come into contact.

“It’s hard to do because if you hit a single, you’re standing next to the first baseman,” Kela said. “If you’re turning a double play and you have someone sliding into second, you’re going to come into close contact. It’s inevitable.

“If you do get proper testing and everybody is truthful about getting symptoms and can come forward, we can handle this and continue to move forward. We have to be fast. I figure if the season is to start any later, we’re trying to extend it to October and November, flu season is coming up pretty soon, as well.”

Kela was named the closer in spring training by new Pirates manager Derek Shelton and new pitching coach Oscar Marin, who also coached Kela when he signed with the Texas Rangers in 2012. Kela had 24 saves with the Rangers in 2018 before being traded to the Pirates, where he worked as setup man for All-Star closer Felipe Vazquez.

Kela was scheduled to make $3.725 million this season, his final year of arbitration. He becomes a free agent after the 2020 season, so he grasps the importance of a strong performance.

“This was a big season for me, as well,” Kela said. “This is my free agency year, a campaign and a chance to showcase my talents to the league and the world. A lot of guys are losing out. I think we just need to find what’s fair and what’s mutual with all parties and continue to move forward.”

Despite the MLB proposal that called for 50-50 revenue sharing between owners and players instead of the pro-rated pay that the union agreed to in March, Kela believes that both sides can come to an agreement that benefits everyone.

“I feel fairly confident that something is going to happen,” Kela said. “When you see the social media platforms, all these different guys are speaking out about resuming the 2020 season. I think it comes down to a lot of different things. I know that the players union and MLB are in negotiations, going back and forth. Everything is pending. I’m hopeful. I’m confident, at least I’m putting forth the effort to keep my arm going and trying to stay locked in so if the season does come back I’m not caught off guard and I’m able to play ball.”