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.

EDGE Analysis

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.