Arizona Diamondbacks have inked a $40 million, two‑year deal with veteran right‑hander Merrill Kelly, bringing the 37‑year‑old back to Scottsdale after a trade to the Texas Rangers last summer.
Return to Scottsdale
The agreement, confirmed by an anonymous source, remains unannounced and is subject to a physical examination. Kelly, a native of Scottsdale and former Arizona State University player, is no stranger to the desert. He first pitched for the Diamondbacks in 2019 and spent six and a half seasons with the club before the 2025 trade deadline. The move to the Rangers gave him a fresh start, but his performance for both teams remained solid, compiling a combined 12‑9 record and a 3.52 earned run average. The trade to Texas, which occurred in July, was part of a larger roster reshuffle that saw the D‑backs acquire several prospects. Kelly’s experience and familiarity with the ballpark will be a valuable asset as the team rebuilds its rotation.
A Familiar Face
Kelly’s return is a logical fit for the franchise, given his local ties and his role in the 2023 World Series run. He posted a 12‑8 record and a 3.29 ERA during that season, and his masterful outing in Game 2 against the Rangers was the only win the D‑backs earned in the Fall Classic. The experience of pitching in high‑pressure situations will be invaluable as Arizona looks to build a competitive rotation for the coming years. In that game, Kelly delivered five innings of two‑run relief, striking out six and walking none, a performance that earned him the game’s most valuable pitcher designation. His ability to command the strike zone and keep hitters off balance was on full display, and the team’s manager praised his composure under pressure.
Veteran Craft
Despite not having overpowering velocity, Kelly relies on a six‑pitch mix that keeps hitters off balance. He made his MLB debut at age 30 in 2019, a late start that made his steady rise all the more impressive. Over his career, he has carved out a reputation for consistency and durability, attributes that the Diamondbacks hope to capitalize on during the next two seasons. His repertoire includes a four‑seam fastball, a two‑seam fastball, a slider, a curveball, a changeup, and a cutter, each used in different counts to disrupt hitters’ timing. In the 2024 season, he logged 140 innings, striking out 110 batters while walking 45, demonstrating his command and control. The Diamondbacks’ coaching staff has noted that his ability to locate pitches in the corners of the strike zone is a key factor in his effectiveness.
International Experience
Before establishing himself in the majors, Kelly was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 but spent several years in Triple‑A before signing with the SK Wyverns of the Korean Baseball Organization. He pitched for the Wyverns from 2015 to 2018, compiling a 48‑32 record and a 3.86 ERA. That international experience added depth to his skill set and provided a unique perspective when he returned to the U.S. leagues. In Korea, he faced a different style of play, emphasizing contact hitters and strategic pitching. He adapted quickly, earning a reputation for being a reliable starter who could handle high‑pressure games. After his Korean stint, he returned to the U.S. minor leagues, where he continued to refine his pitching arsenal before finally breaking into the majors.
Contract Timeline
The Diamondbacks first recognized Kelly’s potential in 2018, when they signed him to a $14.5 million, four‑year contract. In 2022, the team entered a new two‑year, $18 million agreement that covered the 2023 and 2024 seasons and included a club option for 2025, which the D‑backs exercised. The current $40 million deal represents the highest salary Kelly has earned in his career, underscoring the franchise’s confidence in his abilities. The two‑year term will keep him on the roster through the 2026 season, giving the team stability in the starting rotation. The deal also includes a performance bonus structure that rewards innings pitched and strikeouts, reflecting the organization’s focus on measurable output. Analysts note that the contract aligns with the Diamondbacks’ long‑term strategy of retaining veteran talent while developing younger arms.
Physical and Announcement
The final step before the announcement will be Kelly’s physical, a routine evaluation that will confirm his health and readiness. The Diamondbacks’ medical staff has already scheduled the appointment for early next week, and the team expects the results to be released shortly thereafter. Once the physical is cleared, the front office will issue a formal press release, and Kelly will be welcomed back to the team with a ceremony at the ballpark.
Team Impact
Kelly’s presence is expected to provide stability for the young bullpen and offer mentorship for emerging starters. The coaching staff believes his experience in high‑pressure games will translate into better performance during late‑innings situations. The Diamondbacks also plan to use Kelly’s veteran leadership to guide the team’s culture toward a more disciplined, competitive mindset.
Key Takeaways
- Diamondbacks sign veteran Merrill Kelly to a $40M two‑year contract.
- The deal is pending a physical and has not been announced yet.
- Kelly’s experience and local ties make him a valuable addition to the roster.
With the contract secured, the Diamondbacks look forward to a season of renewed competitiveness, bolstered by Kelly’s experience and the organization’s commitment to building a strong pitching core. Fans in Scottsdale will once again witness a familiar face on the mound, as the team aims to return to postseason contention. The announcement is anticipated to energize the fan base ahead of the next season’s schedule. As the Diamondbacks prepare for the upcoming season, the organization remains focused on building a roster capable of challenging for a championship.
