The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly finalizing a two-year contract worth $40 million with right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly. According to sources including Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, the deal is currently pending a physical examination.
At 37 years old, Kelly returns to the Diamondbacks, the team that has been his primary home throughout his major league career. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, Kelly made his major league debut with Arizona in 2019. His path to the big leagues included a notable four-year stint in South Korea, where he played for the SK Wyverns, now known as the SSG Landers.
Kelly’s inaugural season in the majors saw him posting a league-average ERA over 32 starts. However, he quickly established himself as a reliable mid-rotation starter, with a significant improvement in performance since the beginning of the 2022 season. Over his last 108 starts, he has recorded a 3.47 ERA, which translates to a 120 ERA+, showcasing his effectiveness on the mound. During this period, he has achieved a strikeout rate of 23.1% while maintaining a walk rate of 7.7%, culminating in a FIP of 3.81.
Though Kelly’s advanced metrics, including a 4.03 SIERA, suggest he falls short of being a front-line starter, his ability to consistently log innings has proven invaluable to the Diamondbacks. He has achieved at least 175 innings pitched in three of the last four seasons, solidifying his role as a key component of the rotation. Fans have particularly appreciated his contributions, especially notable during a standout 2023 campaign where he delivered an impressive 2.25 ERA and played an essential role in the team’s run to the World Series.
Further developments regarding this deal and its implications for the team are expected in the coming days.
