The Diamondbacks are dealing at the trade deadline, and their latest move sees them part ways with a starting pitcher.
Ahead of the 6 p.m. deadline, Arizona traded Merrill Kelly to the Rangers. Kelly made his professional debut in Korea but has not suited up for any other MLB team but the Diamondbacks after making his major league debut at the age of 30 in 2019.
Kelly is a very valuable pick-up for Texas, as he was one of the more coveted starting pitchers on the trade market.
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Here’s what to know about the deal that ends Kelly’s time in the desert.
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Merrill Kelly trade details
Rangers receive:
Diamondbacks receive:
Kelly was an integral part of the D-Backs winning the NL pennant in 2023, helping the team reach the World Series against none other than the Rangers. Arizona fell short in its quest for a championship and hasn’t reached the playoffs since.Â
The 36-year-old owns a 3.22 ERA this season, along with a 9-6 record and 1.057 WHIP. He gives the Rangers a boost to a starting rotation that consists of veterans Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, and Patrick Corbin.Â
Merrill Kelly contract
Kelly is in the final year of a deal initially signed with Arizona in 2022. He will enter free agency following the 2025 season.
| Year | Age | YOS | Salary |
| 2025 | 36 | 6 | $7,000,000 |
| 2026 | 37 | – | Unrestricted free agent |
Merrill Kelly stats
Kelly has posted a 9-6 record through 22 starts in 2025, and his 3.22 ERA is his lowest in a full season, as he was shut down after five starts in 2020.
| Season | Starts | W-L | ERA | SO |
| 2019 | 32 | 13-14 | 4.42 | 158 |
| 2020 | 5 | 3-2 | 2.59 | 29 |
| 2021 | 27 | 7-11 | 4.44 | 130 |
| 2022 | 33 | 13-8 | 3.37 | 177 |
| 2023 | 30 | 12-8 | 3.29 | 187 |
| 2024 | 23 | 5-1 | 4.03 | 63 |
| 2025 | 22 | 9-6 | 3.22 | 121 |
| Career | 162 | 62-50 | 3.74 | 865 |
