👋 GOOD MORNING – It’s time to talk about something positive, for once.
The Cardinals may be in a tailspin, and the Suns may have been ref-balled the other night, but hey, at least Merrill the Mainstay is back, right? It just didn’t feel right not seeing him in the starting rotation toward the end of 2025.
Let’s break down the move!
— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor
Diamondbacks Reunite with Merrill Kelly
On Sunday, the Diamondbacks did what many a fan might have been hoping to see — sign former long-tenured starter Merrill Kelly after his departure at the 2025 Trade Deadline.
Kelly returns to his hometown team on a two-year, $40 million deal. That amount is significantly higher than any annual average number he earned while previously a member of the organization.
But the reliable veteran has earned that market. Even if he had played out the rest of 2025 in Arizona, he likely would have earned a significant payday boost in free agency.
In a way, it came as little surprise to see the veteran return. Not only does he live in Arizona (after playing his college ball in the Valley too), he bluntly expressed being open to return before he was traded.
“I still want to be here,” Kelly said to Snakes Territory’s Jack Sommers prior to the deadline.
“If I don’t get traded, I’m definitely not gonna be mad about it. But if I do, yeah, there’s always a possibility that I would come back here.”
“The front office knows how fond I am of being here and being home. I know my wife is fond of being here and being home. Regardless of what happens after the [Deadline], being here is never off the table.”
Athletes often say things like this — it’s a nice gesture toward their fans and supporters. But Kelly wasn’t lying. It’s clear he loves the Valley, and the Valley loves him.
The veteran pitched to a 3.52 ERA in the 2025 season, but he was notably better as a Diamondback. In 22 starts for the Snakes, he put up a 3.22 ERA and 3.58 Fielding Independent Pitching (an ERA-like number that removes defense from the equation).
Once he was dealt to Texas, those numbers took a large dip. His ERA rose by just over a full run — 4.23, while his FIP was 4.18.
Perhaps that might be cause for concern, but I’ll choose to think of it as Kelly preferring to pitch in Arizona. Either way, Kelly has been an underrated yet beloved member of the D-backs, posting 14 FanGraphs WAR in six-plus seasons in the Valley — all while doing so without a strikeout-heavy arsenal.
It’s been remarkable to watch Kelly pitch through the years, consistently delivering a high inning load and, at times, some ace-caliber performances. He was also the first player to ever win a game in both the Korea Series (KBO World Series) and the MLB World Series.
He was also responsible for the D-backs’ only win in a World Series game since 2001. If he hadn’t already endeared himself to Arizona, that will certainly do it.
The move is also quite the fleece by GM Mike Hazen. Essentially, the Rangers gave up LHP Kohl Drake (AZ No. 6 prospect), LHP Mitch Bratt (AZ No. 9) and RHP David Hagaman (AZ No. 15), for 10 relatively uninspiring starts out of Kelly, just for Kelly to come right back home.
And now, the D-backs’ MiLB pitching has more depth, too.
My Take: This is an all-around awesome move. I love the idea of bringing Kelly back, and he fits an exact D-backs need — a reliable, consistent, inning-eating starting pitcher.
I still have my doubts with regard to this rotation’s overall performance, but bringing back Kelly significantly raises the floor of that group of starters.
Now granted, it’s a risk to offer $40 million to a pitcher entering his age-37 season. He’s had some injury issues in recent seasons, as well. But considering Kelly has never been one for mind-bending stuff or high-end velocity, there is also reason to believe his success will continue to be sustainable. Even if he doesn’t pitch as well as he did the first half of 2025, it’s hard to hate the stability he brings.
And in terms of a Ketel Marte trade? Well… MLB’s Steve Gilbert reports that the re-signing doesn’t affect those chances in either direction — but it might change what Arizona asks for in return.
The D-backs still need multiple bullpen arms and some position player help, as well. But it’s tough to imagine a Marte deal not including a high-end starter, ultimately. I still personally think a trade isn’t happening, and if it does, it will be for a haul that undeniably helps Arizona.
There’s a lot still at play for GM Mike Hazen and co. this offseason, and it’s still in the (relatively) early stages. One thing is certain though: things just feel right when Merrill Kelly is an Arizona Diamondback.
Quick Hits
DeBo Down: The Cardinals are losing recently-hired defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III to a job at Michigan State. Coach “DeBo,” as he was known by players and staff, was in his first year with the Cardinals. He’ll be taking on the same role for the Spartans.
Zo Long: The Wildcats are losing a coach too. Former Arizona running backs coach Alonzo Carter has earned a head coaching gig at Sacramento State. Carter is well-loved by both his players and the rest of the Cats’ coaching staff. He was a high-end recruiter, and although Arizona wasn’t exactly a run-first team, he consistently helped the Wildcats RB committee produce at a high level. This could be a significant loss for Arizona.
Men’s basketball, however, remains No. 1 in the AP poll — deservedly. They’ll take on Abilene Christian University at 7:00 p.m. at McKale Center in Tucson.
