The Arizona Diamondbacks are finalizing a two-year deal with pitcher Merrill Kelly worth $40 million, according to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic. This agreement, pending a physical, signals Kelly’s return to the team he has known best.
Kelly, who is 37, first entered the majors with the Diamondbacks in 2019 after spending four seasons in Korea. Though his rookie year was average, he quickly carved out a solid spot as a reliable mid-rotation pitcher. Since early 2022, he boasts a 3.47 ERA over 108 starts, showcasing his ability to strike out about 23% of hitters he faces.
Last year, Kelly played a pivotal role in the Diamondbacks reaching the World Series, maintaining a stellar 2.25 ERA during that playoff run. However, 2025 was tough for him and the team, with a series of injuries leading to his trade to the Texas Rangers. His time in Texas didn’t shine, as he ended up with a 4.23 ERA over ten starts.
Despite the challenges, Arizona’s interest in Kelly remained strong. Reports suggested they wanted to re-sign him even before the recent Winter Meetings, highlighting the importance he holds for the team’s pitching staff.
The current contract is just above the predictions made by MLB Trade Rumors, which anticipated a two-year deal worth $36 million for Kelly. His signing comes at a crucial time when pitcher contracts are becoming more competitive. As of now, he becomes the third starting pitcher from MLBTR’s Top 50 free agents to secure a deal.
As he re-joins a rotation that previously added pitcher Michael Soroka and involves teammates like Eduardo Rodriguez and Ryne Nelson, Kelly is set to be a key player for the Diamondbacks this season. However, with a pitching staff that finished 19th in the majors with a 4.29 ERA last year, Arizona will likely look for further improvements.
General Manager Mike Hazen noted that the payroll for the upcoming season is projected to be just over $171 million, leaving some room for spending. This might open doors for additional moves, though there are ongoing discussions about trading Ketel Marte, which could clear some budget space.
In summary, Merrill Kelly’s return to Arizona is not just about reinforcing the pitching lineup. It’s a nod to the California native’s importance to the franchise and signals the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster moving forward.
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