US EditionVeteran Pitcher Merrill Kelly Returns to Diamondbacks on a $40 Million, 2-Year Deal, AP Source Says
- On Dec. 14, 2025, the Arizona Diamondbacks reunited with right-hander Merrill Kelly, who agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal after last season's trade to the Texas Rangers.
- Facing rotation needs, Arizona Diamondbacks front office pursued a veteran starter, overcoming payroll challenges to reunite with Kelly, who has strong Arizona ties from high school, college, and six-plus seasons pitching locally.
- Kelly posted solid numbers last season, going 12-9 with a 3.42 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 32 starts while relying on his changeup and off-speed stuff.
- With Michael Soroka already signed, Arizona's rotation now projects to include five starters, with Kelly as an Opening Day frontrunner and the signing likely affecting Zac Gallen's future.
- The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal first reported the deal, later confirmed by Jon Heyman as pending a physical, as Kelly moves from a team-friendly extension to market-value pay, rejoining Arizona's 2023 NL Championship team.
42 Articles
42 Articles
The Times of Northwest Indiana
Kelly returns to Arizona on $40M, 2-year deal
PHOENIX — Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed Sunday to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million, two-year deal, according to a person familiar with the move.
Chicago Tribune
By DAVID BRANDT PHOENIX (AP) — Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed Sunday to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year, $40 million contract, according to a person familiar with the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced and is pending a physical. The right-hander spent the first six and a half years of his career with the Diamondbacks before being traded …
Veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly returns to Diamondbacks on a $40 million, 2-year deal, AP source says
PHOENIX (AP) — Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed Sunday to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million, two-year deal, according to a person familiar with the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced and is pending a physical. The right-hander spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career with the Diamondbacks before the pending free agent was dealt to the Te…
Merrill Kelly returning to Diamondbacks on two-year, $40 million deal after brief Rangers run
Merrill Kelly, considered one of the top starting pitchers in what is a relatively weak market for them this offseason, is headed back to where he’s spent most of his major league career.
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