Texas Rangers Acquire Merrill Kelly

The Texas Rangers have acquired right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are getting left-handed pitchers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt, along with right-handed pitchers David Hagaman. The Rangers address their starting rotation with a top-of-the-line starter, acquiring Kelly, who also brings postseason experience.

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Merrill Kelly

Kelly is a free agent after this season and will be 37 in 2026. In 22 starts, he is 9-6 with a 3.22 ERA, a 3.53 FIP, a 1.06 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts in 128.2 innings. Kelly has made 162 career starts, going 62-50 with a 3.74 ERA, a 3.97 FIP, a 1.19 WHIP, and 865 strikeouts in 953 innings. In the Diamondbacks National League Pennant run, he made four starts in the playoffs, going 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA, a 4.09 FIP, a 0.83 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts in 24 innings.

Kohl Drake

Drake in 16 appearances, with 15 of those coming as starts, is 5-4. He posts a 3.10 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 87 strikeouts in 72.2 innings.

David Hagaman

Hagaman in eight starts this season between rookie ball and Single-A is 0-1. He has a 2.82 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts in 22.1 innings.

Mitch Bratt

Bratt this season in 18 appearances,, with 17 of those coming as starts at Double-A is 6-3. He posts a 3.18 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts in 90.2 innings.