After half a season away from the one group he is identified in his main league profession, right-hander Merrill Kelly has determined to return to the desert and signal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In keeping with The Athletics’ Ken Rosenthal, Kelly is finalizing a two-year $40 million contract with the Diamondbacks, which can take him to his age 38 season.
Kelly total in 2025 went 12-9 with a 3.52 ERA in 32 begins (184.0 innings), and was a prime commerce candidate on the commerce deadline. Going to the Texas Rangers, Kelly made 10 begins with them and went 3-3 with a 4.23 ERA.
Kelly’s signing with the Diamondbacks comes on the heels of them inking right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year deal.
Merrill Kelly’s return offers the Diamondbacks depth in rotation
The Diamondbacks, coming into the offseason, wanted so as to add pitching depth after buying and selling away Kelly and right-hander Zac Gallen, who grew to become a free agent (nonetheless unsigned). Including Soroka and the return of Kelly offers the Diamondbacks that depth, with Kelly figuring to be their No. 1 starter.
Veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and right-handers Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson are more likely to slot into the rotation.
The Diamondbacks, with Gallen — an All-Star in 2023 and a three-time prime 10 Cy Younger finisher — ranked nineteenth in starters’ ERA (4.29), however now that Gallen is gone, the Diamondbacks shall be counting on Kelly to fill that void. Kelly has a profession 3.77 ERA, whereas Gallen has a 3.58 ERA.
With the Diamondbacks possible coming into a rebuilding season, Kelly may discover himself as soon as once more on the commerce block in July, along with his manageable contract and beginning pitching at all times being at a premium at the moment.
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