Could Merrill Kelly stunningly return to the Diamondbacks in 2026?

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that there is mutual interest between the D-backs and former Arizona starting pitcher Merrill Kelly to make a reunion happen. Kelly, who finished with a 12-9 record and a 3.52 ERA in 2025, is one of the biggest names in free agency and has spoken out about how much he wants to continue his career in Arizona.

When Merrill Kelly packed for Texas earlier this season, the split felt transactional as Arizona needed flexibility, and the Rangers needed innings they could trust. What no one expected was how quickly Kelly would hint that his heart hadn’t followed his luggage. Now, with Kelly openly expressing interest in reuniting with the Diamondbacks, the conversation goes far deeper than nostalgia. It’s about identity, timing, and whether a team on the fringe of contention chooses a veteran leader who wants to be in Arizona or a younger arm with more upside.

The chances of Merrill Kelly returning to Arizona:

Kelly has never been the loudest ace, but he has been the most reliable at times for the D-backs in the past. In Arizona, his consistency carried emotional weight as young pitchers gravitated toward him and coaches leaned on him. Arizona fans saw him as more than a top arm in their rotation, as his ties to Arizona and his time at Arizona State University bring more of a hometown fandom. Reunions feel right when they serve a purpose. Bringing Kelly back signals Arizona isn’t drifting out of playoff contention. It’s choosing to compete with intention, not hope, and sounds like a definite possibility on the table.