Texas strengthens its pitching rotation by acquiring Merrill Kelly from the Diamondbacks in a trade with the Rangers.
Merrill Kelly Joins Texas Rangers, Bolstering Rotation
Merrill Kelly, a veteran right-handed starter with a solid MLB career, has been traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Texas Rangers. Kelly, who has spent all of his MLB seasons with the Diamondbacks, brings a wealth of experience and consistency to the Rangers' rotation.
Kelly's career statistics are impressive, with a career ERA+ of 114 and a WAR (wins above replacement) of 16.9 across seven seasons. In the 2025 season, before joining the Rangers, he posted a 3.22 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 121 strikeouts, and a 133 ERA+ in 128⅔ innings over 22 starts. He held opposing batters to a career-best .206 batting average and compiled a 9-6 record, demonstrating strong run prevention and strikeout ability.
One of Kelly's standout qualities is his ability to induce hitters to chase pitches outside the strike zone, even with below-average velocity. This skill was particularly evident in the 2025 season.
Kelly's impact on the Rangers' rotation is significant, especially given his proven consistency and postseason success. In the 2023 postseason, he had a 3-1 record and a 2.25 ERA in four starts, and pitched a historically impressive Game 2 in the 2023 World Series, with 7 innings, 9 strikeouts, no walks.
With the acquisition of Kelly, the Rangers' rotation now includes Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, with Kelly solidifying the depth behind the tandem aces. The Rangers are currently tied for the third wild card spot in the AL and five games back of the AL West-leading Astros, making the addition of Kelly a strategic move to improve their potential playoff rotation.
Kelly, who is in his walk year and was owed the balance of a modest $7 million salary before becoming eligible for free agency, is now eligible to sign an extension with Texas or sign with them after he hits the open market.
The Diamondbacks, who have been struggling with injuries, bad luck, and poor performances, have made another sell move by trading Kelly, following the deals of Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, and Randal Grichuk. The aim is to add young talent in return for their walk-year veterans, with the goal of returning to contention in 2026.
In summary, Merrill Kelly is a veteran right-handed starter with consistent career performance, high postseason pedigree, and a well-rounded pitching repertoire that enhances the Texas Rangers' rotation depth and competitiveness in 2025. The stretch drive and possibly playoffs are now coming for Kelly with the Texas Rangers.
- Merrill Kelly, having demonstrated strong run prevention and strikeout ability in the 2025 MLB season, could potentially aid the Texas Rangers in winning games and improving their playoff chances.
- During the 2023 postseason, Kelly showcased his proven consistency and postseason success, achieving a 3-1 record and a 2.25 ERA in four starts.
- As the Rangers' rotation now includes Merrill Kelly, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi, the team gains depth behind the tandem aces, aiming for a strong performance in the stretch drive and possibly the playoffs.
- In the upcoming MLB sports season, the Texas Rangers' baseball team will have the added advantage of Merrill Kelly's skills, such as his ability to induce hitters to chase pitches outside the strike zone, even with below-average velocity.
