Reports: Kelly to D-backs on 2-year, $40M deal

"Free-agent right-hander Merrill Kelly, after being dealt by the Diamondbacks to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline last season, is returning to Arizona on a two-year, $40 million deal, according to multiple reports. Kelly, 37, went a combined 12-9 with a 3.42 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 32 starts last season. Kelly is viewed as a grind-it-out innings eater but doesn't boast big raw stuff. His changeup is his best pitch by a wide margin, and he gets by with location and off-speed stuff."

"His changeup is his best pitch by a wide margin, and he gets by with location and off-speed stuff. Editor's Picks Prior to the trade to the Rangers, Kelly had spent six-plus seasons with Arizona and was a stalwart in the Diamondbacks' run to the 2023 World Series, striking out 28 and posting a 2.25 ERA over 24 innings. Overall, he is 65-53 with a 3.77 ERA and 911 strikeouts in 1008 1/3 innings over seven MLB seasons."

Merrill Kelly signed a two-year, $40 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kelly, 37, compiled a 12-9 record with a 3.42 ERA and 167 strikeouts across 32 starts last season. He profiles as a dependable innings eater who relies on command and off-speed offerings rather than overpowering velocity. Kelly's changeup stands out as his primary out pitch. He previously spent six-plus seasons with Arizona and contributed to the Diamondbacks' 2023 World Series run, posting a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 24 innings during that postseason. His seven-season career totals include a 65-53 record, 3.77 ERA, and 911 strikeouts in 1008 1/3 innings.

Read at ESPN.com