Merrill Kelly’s return to familiar territory in the desert is now official, as the Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that they have finalized a two-year, $40 million contract with the veteran right-handed pitcher. The agreement had been initially reached earlier in the week, with both sides coming to a tentative understanding on Sunday. The deal, however, was contingent upon Kelly passing a physical examination, which he successfully completed, clearing the final hurdle for his return to the organization where he began his major league career. Under the terms of the contract, Kelly will receive a $2 million signing bonus, followed by a $17 million salary in 2026 and $21 million in 2027, signaling the Diamondbacks’ commitment to him as a cornerstone of their pitching staff for the next two seasons.
Kelly, 37, spent the first six and a half years of his MLB career with the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline in July of this year. Over the course of the 2025 season, Kelly proved his value to both organizations, finishing with a combined 12-9 win-loss record and an earned run average of 3.52, demonstrating his ability to perform consistently despite switching teams midseason. His performance not only contributed to the success of both clubs during the regular season but also highlighted his enduring reliability as a starting pitcher even as he approaches the twilight of his professional career.
Looking ahead, Kelly is expected to slot into the Diamondbacks’ rotation as the projected No. 1 starter when spring training opens. The rotation is likely to feature Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, and Eduardo Rodriguez alongside Kelly, providing Arizona with a mix of emerging talent and veteran experience. The team’s rotation situation has been somewhat unsettled due to injuries and free agency departures. Ace Corbin Burnes is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and will miss significant time, while 2023 All-Star Zac Gallen is a free agent who appears unlikely to return. In this context, Kelly’s return provides stability and leadership to a pitching staff that will rely on a blend of seasoned veterans and younger arms as the Diamondbacks aim to remain competitive in the National League West.
Kelly’s reunion with the Diamondbacks is not a particularly shocking development, given his deep roots in the state of Arizona. A Scottsdale native, he honed his skills as a pitcher at Arizona State University, where he developed the foundation for what would become a successful professional career. Over the years, Kelly has become a fan favorite in Arizona, not only for his on-field performance but also for his connection to the local community. His return provides a sense of continuity for fans who have followed his career closely, reinforcing the Diamondbacks’ strategy of combining homegrown talent and seasoned veterans to build a competitive roster.
One of the highlights of Kelly’s career with the Diamondbacks came during the team’s memorable run to the World Series in 2023. That season, he compiled a 12-8 record and a 3.29 ERA, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level over the course of a full season. His contributions in the postseason were particularly noteworthy, as he delivered a masterful outing in Game 2 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers. Despite the Diamondbacks ultimately losing the series, Kelly’s performance in that game stood out as a demonstration of his poise and skill on the biggest stage. That game remains the only victory for Arizona in the Fall Classic that year, underscoring the importance of Kelly’s contribution to the team’s historic season.
While Kelly may not possess the overpowering velocity of some of the league’s elite pitchers, his effectiveness stems from a sophisticated six-pitch mix that allows him to keep hitters off balance. He relies on a combination of fastballs, breaking balls, and off-speed pitches to disrupt timing and exploit weaknesses in opposing lineups. This approach has allowed him to sustain a long and productive career, even without the dominant stuff that often defines top-tier starting pitchers. Kelly’s ability to command multiple pitches and mix them effectively has made him a reliable option in the rotation and a valuable mentor for younger pitchers learning to navigate the challenges of major league competition.
An interesting aspect of Kelly’s career trajectory is the fact that he did not make his MLB debut until the age of 30, which is significantly later than most pitchers. Before reaching the major leagues, Kelly spent four seasons playing in South Korea from 2015 to 2018. During his time in the KBO League, he compiled a 48-32 record with a 3.86 ERA, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft against high-level competition overseas. This period of his career allowed him to develop the command, pitch selection, and mental toughness that would later serve him well in the majors. His success in South Korea also illustrates the increasingly global nature of baseball talent development and the opportunities available for players willing to take unconventional paths to reach the big leagues.
Kelly’s journey from a late MLB debut to becoming a mainstay in the Diamondbacks’ rotation is a testament to his perseverance, adaptability, and work ethic. Despite entering the major leagues at an age when many pitchers are already established, he quickly proved himself as a dependable starter capable of handling a full workload. His experiences abroad, combined with his collegiate and professional development in the United States, have shaped him into a well-rounded pitcher with the ability to adjust to different situations and opponents. This versatility is a key reason why the Diamondbacks were eager to bring him back for the next phase of his career, providing leadership and consistency to a pitching staff in transition.
Off the field, Kelly’s connection to Arizona extends beyond his roots in Scottsdale and his time at Arizona State. Over the years, he has become an integral part of the local baseball community, participating in events, engaging with fans, and serving as a role model for young players aspiring to reach the professional level. His return to the Diamondbacks is likely to be warmly received by fans who remember his contributions to the team’s recent successes, including the historic 2023 postseason run. By signing Kelly, Arizona not only secures a talented pitcher but also reinforces a sense of identity and continuity within the organization, linking past achievements to future aspirations.
Looking at the broader picture, Kelly’s return comes at a crucial time for the Diamondbacks. The team is navigating a competitive landscape in the NL West, with a mix of established stars, emerging young talent, and roster uncertainty due to injuries and free agency. By securing a veteran like Kelly, the Diamondbacks address a key need in their rotation while also sending a message to fans and players alike about their commitment to competitiveness. His presence provides a stabilizing influence in the clubhouse and on the mound, helping to guide younger pitchers such as Ryne Nelson and Brandon Pfaadt as they seek to establish themselves at the major league level.
In summary, Merrill Kelly’s return to the Arizona Diamondbacks represents both a homecoming and a strategic move for the organization. With a two-year, $40 million deal finalized, Kelly is set to rejoin a rotation that will benefit from his experience, versatility, and leadership. His career, marked by a late MLB debut, successful stint in South Korea, and key contributions to Arizona’s World Series run in 2023, exemplifies perseverance and adaptability. Kelly’s six-pitch arsenal, ability to maintain consistency over a full season, and connection to the Arizona community make him a fan favorite and a critical piece of the team’s plans moving forward. As he prepares to take the mound again in the desert, both the Diamondbacks and their supporters can look forward to the contributions of a pitcher who has proven his value in multiple contexts and who continues to embody the qualities of a true professional both on and off the field.
With Kelly back in the fold, the Diamondbacks can focus on developing their younger pitchers, integrating new talent, and competing at a high level in a division that remains challenging year after year. While ace Corbin Burnes continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and Zac Gallen moves on in free agency, Kelly provides the stability and reliability that will be essential to Arizona’s hopes of returning to the postseason. Beyond statistics, his presence also reinforces a sense of continuity and connection with the team’s recent history, reminding fans of the highs of 2023 and creating anticipation for what lies ahead.
Ultimately, Kelly’s journey—from a Scottsdale native to a collegiate standout at Arizona State, through his overseas experience in South Korea, and into a successful MLB career—culminates in this return to the Diamondbacks. It is a story of resilience, skill development, and loyalty, and it underscores the unique paths players can take to achieve lasting success in professional baseball. As the 2026 season approaches, the stage is set for Kelly to once again lead Arizona’s rotation, mentor emerging pitchers, and continue building his legacy in the desert where his professional journey began.
