Merrill Kelly: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Burn City Sports / January 29

D-Backs mainstay Merrill Kelly commits to 2026 Annexus Pro-Am

SCOTTSALDE — Arizona Diamondbacks mainstay Merrill Kelly is switching his glove for a golf club as he enters the 2026 Annexus Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open, tournament organizers announced Thursday.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Arizona Diamondbacks on SI / January 11

Diamondbacks Named Dark Horse Fit for Former Phillies All-Star

The Arizona Diamondbacks are still looking to add as much quality pitching as possible to their roster. Regardless of their recent signings of both Michael Soroka and Merrill Kelly, GM Mike Hazen has remained adamant that the team will look to add to the staff — rotation and bullpen both.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Arizona Diamondbacks on SI / December 26

Outlet Predicts Breakout for Exciting D-backs Pitching Prospect

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a strong effort this past season to add pitching depth to their farm system. An organization that has struggled to develop pitchers at a successful clip was feeling the effects of that deficiency as injuries and underperformance marred 2025.

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Arizona Diamondbacks News / Arizona Diamondbacks on SI / December 22

Veteran D-backs Righty Was Surprisingly Effective in Small Role

The Arizona Diamondbacks did not manage to escape the brutality of the 162-game grind in the 2025 season, and it manifested in the form of a disappointing, injury-racked year.

MLB News / Yardbarker

The 20 most significant MLB Rule 5 draftees

The Rule 5 draft, held annually at the winter meetings in December, never garners much fanfare, but it has been known to yield some noteworthy transactions.

MLB News / Bluejaysnation / December 21

Report: Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami signs two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are adding some considerable power to their lineup. Baseball insider Jeff Passan at ESPN reported earlier today that Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami and the White Sox have agreed on a two-year deal worth $34 million.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Arizona Diamondbacks on SI / December 20

Merrill Kelly Sends Heartfelt Message to D-backs Fans

Veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly made his official return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, as his two-year, $40 million deal was announced by the team.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Burn City Sports / December 19

Merrill Kelly’s return to the Diamondbacks wasn’t an accident

PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly admits there was some doubt he would ever wear Sedona Red again after last summer’s trade deadline.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Arizona Diamondbacks on SI / December 19

D-backs GM Opens Up on Merrill Kelly Signing

On Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks officially announced the signing of right-hander Merrill Kelly, who will return to his hometown club on a two-year, $40 million deal with a $12-14 million vesting option for 2028.

MLB News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest pitching seasons from the modern MLB era

America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.

MLB News / San Diego Padres on SI / December 17

Did Padres Make an Offer to Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly?

The San Diego Padres still remain a bit of a mystery as it pertains to possible free agent signings. Rumors have been swirling over possible trade dealings with the New York Mets over a host of San Diego players.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Arizona Diamondbacks on SI / December 17

Insider Reveals Surprise Twist to D-backs' Merrill Kelly Signing

On Sunday, the Arizona Diamondbacks reunited with a long-tenured arm. Right-hander Merrill Kelly, after being traded at the 2025 Deadline, agreed to a deal with the D-backs to return to his home city for 2026 and beyond.

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MLB News / Burn City Sports / December 16

D-Backs’ Ketel Marte trade talks show little movement as Red Sox emerge as top suitor

PHOENIX — With Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte continuing to surface in trade discussions, there appears to be no deal close to moving the All-Star.

Arizona Diamondbacks News / Sport Relay / December 15

Diamondbacks Sign Three New Pitchers for 2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t waste much time this offseason fixing one of their largest problems from 2025: pitching. In some surprise moves, the last two weeks have seen the Diamondbacks sign three new pitchers to strengthen their 2026 staff.

MLB News / Burn City Sports / December 15

Merrill Kelly on West Coast team’s radar before Diamondbacks return

PHOENIX — Merrill Kelly had leverage this offseason and it came as little surprise that other teams pursued the veteran right-hander. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Kelly was offered a three-year contract worth more than $50 million by a West Coast team before ultimately deciding to re-sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

MLB News / Just Baseball / December 15

The Diamondbacks Needed Merrill Kelly Back in Their Rotation

According to reports on the morning of December 14, the Arizona Diamondbacks and veteran right-handed starting pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $40 million, pending a physical.

MLB News / Yardbarker / December 14

Merrill Kelly opts to return to Diamondbacks after a half season with Rangers

Kelly is returning to the desert after a brief stint away.

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MLB News / Field Level Media / December 14

Report: RHP Merrill Kelly returning to Arizona on 2-year, $40M deal

Right-hander Merrill Kelly is returning to the Arizona Diamondbacks, The Athletic reported Sunday. The Diamondbacks traded Kelly to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline last July.

MLB News / MLB Trade Rumors / December 14

Diamondbacks To Sign Merrill Kelly

The Diamondbacks are finalizing a contract with right-hander Merrill Kelly, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Rosenthal adds that it’s a two-year, $40MM pact.

MLB News / Yardbarker / December 5

Diamondbacks could get best of both worlds with Merrill Kelly

Kelly would give the Diamondbacks a steady presence that their rotation needs as they build toward the future.

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MLB News / Burn City Sports / December 4

Could Merrill Kelly stunningly return to the Diamondbacks in 2026?

The Diamondbacks are in talks with a familiar face to bring back some starting pitching help for the upcoming 2026 MLB season, as Merrill Kelly has been wanting to return to Arizona if the deal is right.

Texas Rangers News / Texas Rangers on SI / November 10

Can Rangers Keep Merrill Kelly at This Projected Free Agency Cost?

The Texas Rangers felt they needed more starting pitching at the trade deadline and secured Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Texas knew he was a short-term solution.

Texas Rangers News / Texas Rangers on SI / November 7

Rangers Free Agent Pitcher Predicted to Sign with Familiar Franchise

Needing pitching at the trade deadline in July, the Texas Rangers swung a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-hander Merrill Kelly. He helped to keep the Rangers in the hunt for an American League Wild Card spot despite all of their injuries before they faded down the stretch to finish at 81-81.

Texas Rangers News / Just Baseball / November 6

Top Landing Spots for Free Agent Merrill Kelly

For the first time in his MLB career, Merrill Kelly will be testing the free-agent market this offseason. The dependable, middle-of-the-rotation veteran is sure to draw the attention of many teams.

MLB News / Yardbarker / July 31

Rangers swing first major trade for a starter at the deadline

The saying goes "If you can't beat them, join them." The former Diamondbacks right-hander faced the Rangers in the 2023 World Series.

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MLB News / Bluejaysnation / July 27

Blue Jays trade deadline target: Merrill Kelly

Merrill Kelly has been a much-discussed name ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, with his stellar and consistent pitching performance for the underwhelming Arizona Diamondbacks this season.