Merrill Kelly holds no grudges against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Several months after being traded to the Texas Rangers, Kelly has reportedly agreed to return to Arizona on a two-year deal worth $40 million, according to multiple sources.
At 37 years old, Kelly recently completed a season where he pitched 184 innings combined for the Diamondbacks and Rangers, posting a 3.52 ERA. His career path has seen many ups and downs since being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010. Despite strong performances in the minors, Kelly never made it to the majors with Tampa Bay and chose to play in South Korea, signing with the SK Wyverns in 2015 and spending four years in the Korea Baseball Association.
He made his MLB comeback in 2019, signing a two-year contract with Arizona. His initial year back was difficult, registering a 4.91 ERA in his first 27 starts and facing the threat of demotion. However, Kelly turned things around with a 2.18 ERA in his last five starts, likely saving his major league career.
In 2020, Kelly showed promise but was limited to just five starts due to injury. The following year was average, as he posted a 4.44 ERA over 158 innings. By 2022, he had a breakout season, leading the league with 33 starts and recording a 3.37 ERA across 200 1/3 innings. Since then, Kelly has started 108 games with a 3.47 ERA.
During this time, he became Arizona’s unofficial ace, starting Game 2 of the 2023 World Series against the Rangers. Kelly isn’t known for overpowering velocity or high strikeout rates, but his success stems from a diverse pitching arsenal and precise control. Despite some injuries throughout his career, Kelly has been fairly durable, pitching at least 150 innings in four of the past five seasons.
The Diamondbacks clearly believe in Kelly’s ability to perform at a high level despite his age, reportedly signing him through the season when he turns 38. His experience will be especially valuable as the team’s star pitcher Corbin Burnes recovers from Tommy John surgery, impacting the start of the 2026 campaign.
While not the flashiest member of the rotation, Kelly has proven to be a reliable and valuable pitcher after early struggles in his career. Following a short stint in Texas, returning to Arizona, where he blossomed, seems like a fitting next chapter.
Fan Take: This signing is a win for both Kelly and the Diamondbacks, offering stability and experience for a team aiming to stay competitive. For baseball fans, it’s a reminder that perseverance and skill refinement can lead to lasting success in the sport, regardless of early career obstacles or age.
