Kelly’s patient approach and catching acumen have translated into meaningful offensive contributions in the Wild Card round, providing a steady presence in the Cubs’ middle order and adding a tactical counterbalance to Milwaukee’s aggressive pitchers.

Kelly held down the catching duties, contributing to Chicago’s small-ball success and defensive rhythm as the club closed out the series.

Kelly fell to Miller’s 104.5 mph heater in a key at-bat, underscoring the Cubs’ challenge against extreme velocity and the Padres’ bullpen depth.

Kelly appears in the framing mix for the Cubs, facing Miller’s velocity with the chance to contribute for Chicago in a crucial moment of the series.

Kelly’s back-to-back homer night with Suzuki provided decisive separation in Game 1. As a catcher with RBI potential, Kelly adds a valuable daily fantasy exposure in a Cubs lineup that is showing depth and power at the right moment.