Merrill Kelly’s Surprise Return to Diamondbacks: What This $40 Million Deal Means for the Team’s Future

Here’s a headline that will make every Arizona Diamondbacks fan smile wide: Merrill Kelly is officially coming back to the desert. The seasoned right-hander, who’s been a cornerstone of the team for over six years, just inked a two-year pact worth $40 million to stay with the D-backs. It’s no shocker really — born and bred in Scottsdale and having sharpened his skills at Arizona State, Kelly’s roots run deep here. After a brief midseason move to the Texas Rangers, where he held his own, Kelly’s return feels like a homecoming fit for a player who’s been pivotal, especially during that thrilling 2023 World Series run. Knowing his journey — from late MLB debut at 30, to dominating in Korea, to crafting a crafty six-pitch combo — it’s clear Kelly’s not just any pitcher. His story is about grit, mastery, and commitment. So, buckle up as we dive deeper into this deal that keeps one of Arizona’s favorite sons pitching where the sun blazes brightest. LEARN MORE

PHOENIX — Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed Sunday to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year, $40 million deal, according to a person familiar with the move.

The right-hander spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career with the Diamondbacks before the pending free agent was dealt to the Texas Rangers at this year’s trade deadline in July. He was good for both teams, finishing with a combined 12-9 record and 3.52 ERA.

Kelly’s return to the desert isn’t a huge surprise considering he’s a Scottsdale native and played in college at Arizona State.

The fan favorite was a key piece of the team that went to the World Series in 2023. He had a 12-8 record and a 3.29 ERA that season, adding a masterful performance in Game 2 of the World Series against the Rangers, which is the only game the D-backs would win in the Fall Classic.

The 37-year-old doesn’t have overpowering stuff but thrives thanks to a six-pitch mix that keeps hitters off balance. He has carved out a solid MLB career despite not making his debut until he was 30 in 2019.

He was drafted in 2010 by the Tampa Bay Rays but got stuck in Triple A before electing to sign with the SK Wyverns of the Korean Baseball Organization from 2015 to 2018, going 48-32 with a 3.86 ERA.

The Diamondbacks liked what they saw and signed him to a four-year, $14.5 million deal in 2018.

He agreed to an two-year, $18 million deal with Arizona in 2022 that covered the 2023 and 2024 seasons and included a club option for 2025 that the D-backs exercised.