Merrill Kelly. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 11:12 AM ET

After half a season away from the only organization he's known in his major league career, right-hander Merrill Kelly has decided to return to the desert and sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

According to The Athletics’ Ken Rosenthal, Kelly is finalizing a two-year $40 million contract with the Diamondbacks, which will take him to his age 38 season.

Kelly overall in 2025 went 12-9 with a 3.52 ERA in 32 starts (184.0 innings), and was a top trade candidate at the trade deadline. Going to the Texas Rangers, Kelly made 10 starts with them and went 3-3 with a 4.23 ERA.

Kelly's signing with the Diamondbacks comes on the heels of them inking right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year deal.

Merrill Kelly's return gives the Diamondbacks depth in rotation

The Diamondbacks, entering the offseason, needed to add pitching depth after trading away Kelly and right-hander Zac Gallen, who became a free agent (still unsigned). Adding Soroka and the return of Kelly gives the Diamondbacks that depth, with Kelly figuring to be their No. 1 starter.

Veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and right-handers Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson are likely to slot into the rotation.

The Diamondbacks, with Gallen — an All-Star in 2023 and a three-time top 10 Cy Young finisher — ranked 19th in starters' ERA (4.29), but now that Gallen is gone, the Diamondbacks will be relying on Kelly to fill that void. Kelly has a career 3.77 ERA, while Gallen has a 3.58 ERA.

With the Diamondbacks likely entering a rebuilding season, Kelly could find himself once again on the trade block in July, with his manageable contract and starting pitching always being at a premium at that time.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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