Free-agent right-hander Merrill Kelly is set to rejoin the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year, $40 million contract. This move comes after Kelly's brief stint with the Texas Rangers following a trade deadline deal last season. Kelly is expected to immediately bolster the Diamondbacks' starting rotation.
Diamondbacks' Rotation Revamp
Kelly's return significantly strengthens the Diamondbacks' pitching staff. He will likely slot into a prominent position within the rotation. The team recently acquired right-hander Michael Soroka on a one-year, $7.5 million deal to add depth.
The projected starting rotation includes:
- Ryne Nelson (RHP)
- Brandon Pfaadt (RHP)
- Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP)
- Merrill Kelly (RHP)
- Michael Soroka (RHP)
Kelly's Previous Stint with the Diamondbacks
Prior to his time with the Rangers, Kelly spent over six seasons with Arizona. He initially joined the team after a successful four-year period in South Korea, which revitalized his career after it had plateaued in Triple-A. During his previous tenure, Kelly maintained a 3.74 ERA across 162 starts. He played a crucial role in the Diamondbacks' 2023 World Series run, posting a 2.25 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 24 postseason innings.
Kelly is recognized for his consistent performance and ability to eat innings, relying more on location and off-speed pitches rather than overpowering velocity. His changeup is considered his best pitch. Last season, he combined for a 12-9 record with a 3.42 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 32 starts for both the Diamondbacks and Rangers.
Trade Details and Diamondbacks' Offseason Moves
In exchange for Kelly, the Rangers sent three minor league pitchers to Arizona: left-handers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt, and right-hander David Hagaman. The Rangers aimed to strengthen their roster for a postseason push, but ultimately fell short with an 81-81 record. The Diamondbacks traded Kelly as part of a larger restructuring.
Kelly's MLB Career at a Glance:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 65-53 |
| ERA | 3.77 |
| Strikeouts | 911 |
| Innings Pitched | 1,008.1/3 |
The Diamondbacks have also re-signed veteran catcher James McCann to a one-year contract to back up Gabriel Moreno. Furthermore, the organization is reportedly considering trading second baseman Ketel Marte, who is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons. A trade involving Marte could potentially yield a significant return for Arizona.
FAQs
Why did the Diamondbacks bring back Merrill Kelly?
The Diamondbacks brought back Merrill Kelly to bolster their starting rotation. He's expected to be a key part of their pitching staff, especially after his strong performance with them, including the 2023 World Series run.
How much is Merrill Kelly's new contract with the Diamondbacks worth?
Merrill Kelly's new contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks is a two-year deal worth $40 million. This signifies the team's commitment to strengthening their pitching rotation.
What other moves have the Diamondbacks made this offseason?
Besides re-signing Merrill Kelly, the Diamondbacks acquired Michael Soroka and re-signed James McCann. They are also considering trading Ketel Marte, which could bring a significant return for the team.
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