The Pirates have acquired RHP Keone Kela (KEY-oh-nee KELL-uh) from the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league LHP Taylor Hearn and a player to be named. The announcement was made by Neal Huntington, the Pirates Executive Vice President, General Manager.
The 25-year-old Kela has recorded 24 saves in 25 opportunities while also posting a 3.44 ERA (36.2ip/14er) and 44 strikeouts in 38 appearances with the Rangers this season. His 24 saves currently rank fifth among the American League leaders and his save percentage (96.0) is second in the A.L. behind Aroldis Chapman (28-for-29; 96.6).
 
Kela has held right-handed hitters to a .125 (10-for-80) batting average overall in 2018 and has produced a 2.10 ERA (25.2ip/6er), 31 strikeouts and a .163 batting average against in his last 25 outings dating back to May 7.
 
"Kela is an experienced, quality, high leverage reliever who projects to be a significant addition to our late game options for the next few seasons," said Huntington.
Kela made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2015 after being selected by Texas in the 12th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. He has made all 180 big league appearances in relief and has posted a 19-10 record, 27 saves, a 3.45 ERA (169.2ip/65er) and 208 strikeouts.
 
The 23-year-old Hearn was acquired from Washington on 7/30/16, along with LHP Felipe Vazquez, in exchange for RHP Mark Melancon. Hearn has gone 3-6 with a 3.12 ERA in 19 starts with Double-A Altoona this season.