Kessler returns for his second season with the Ducks and fourth in professional baseball. The right-hander joined the Ducks in August of 2023 and pitched in eight games with Long Island. He compiled a 2.70 ERA, conceding just three runs (two earned) in six and two-thirds innings. The Mount Sinai, N.Y., native gave up just two hits as well, struck out four batters and allowed a run in just two of his eight games. The righty spent the first two seasons of his career in the Detroit Tigers organization. He split the 2021 campaign with Single-A Lakeland and High-A West Michigan, combining to post a 2.97 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 30.1 innings across 23 appearances.

The 26-year-old began his professional career in 2019. He made 17 appearances with the rookie-level GCL Tigers West, going 1-3 with a 3.48 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 20.2 innings of work. Prior to his pro career, the West Virginia University alum was a four-year varsity player at Mount Sinai High School on Long Island. He was named to the 2014 Perfect Game All-Tournament Team after pitching a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts, and he earned Perfect Game Underclass High Honorable Mention in 2015. Kessler was originally selected by the Tigers in the 34th round of the 2019 amateur draft.