Rangers swing first major trade for a starter at the deadline

Kelly, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has been excellent for the Diamondbacks in 22 starts so far, posting a 3.22 ERA. It's been arguably his best campaign to date (not counting the shortened 2020 season in which he had a 2.59 ERA in five starts). 

The 36-year-old veteran joins a Rangers rotation that is already the best in baseball by ERA (3.16) thanks in large part to the resurgence of ace Jacob deGrom (10-3, 2.55 ERA). Kelly should slot in comfortably behind deGrom and fellow righty Nathan Eovaldi (9-3, 1.49 ERA) to comprise a fearsome rotation that could prove to be a tough out should Texas make it to October. 

In exchange for Kelly, the Rangers are sending No. 5 prospect Kohl Drake, No. 9 prospect Mitch Bratt and No. 13-ranked David Hagaman. All three names are pitchers, which is a staggering haul for the Diamondbacks. 

Between dealing Kelly and infielders Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez, both of whom were shipped to the Seattle Mariners, Arizona has completely restocked its farm system as it looks to the future. Given the circumstances around its pitching injuries and general underperformance, that seems like the best decision at this juncture.

It's no surprise that the Diamondbacks received as much as they did for Kelly, even as a rental. The pitching market has proven an expensive place to shop on this deadline day. But make no mistake, the Rangers did well for themselves too.