The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially confirmed a two-year contract with right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly, worth $40 million. This announcement marks a significant reunion for Kelly and the team, as the deal includes a vesting option for the 2028 season. If Kelly pitches more than 170 innings, the option will activate at $12 million. Should he exceed 185 innings—a milestone he has achieved only once in his career—the value will increase to $14 million.
Kelly’s return to the Diamondbacks follows a brief stint with the Texas Rangers, where he was traded mid-season during 2025. Although he made only ten starts for Texas, he maintained a respectable 4.23 ERA, which is slightly below his established performance level in Arizona. As he approaches his age-37 season, this signing carries a degree of risk; however, Kelly has consistently proven to be a reliable presence in the Diamondbacks’ rotation.
The Diamondbacks’ pitching staff has experienced turmoil recently, making Kelly’s stability more valuable. Known as the “Mainstay,” he has never led the league in any major statistical category but boasts a career 3.77 ERA and solid peripheral statistics. Kelly’s ability to provide dependable innings is essential for a team that has struggled with pitching depth.
With the Diamondbacks prioritizing the need for reliable innings, Kelly’s experience offers both reassurance and the potential for standout performances. His capability to deliver five or more innings of quality pitching, even on less-than-ideal days, makes him a crucial asset as the team navigates its current pitching challenges.
In summary, the Diamondbacks have made a strategic move by bringing back Merrill Kelly, a familiar face whose performance history suggests he will continue to be a vital part of their pitching rotation for the coming seasons.
