### Merrill Kelly's Return to the Diamondbacks: A Homecoming for Stability Merrill Kelly, a veteran right-handed pitcher, is set to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year contract worth $40 million. This move marks a significant reunion for Kelly, who spent the first 6.5 years of his MLB career with the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the 2025 trade deadline. His performance in 2025 was commendable, with a combined record of 12-9 and a 3.52 ERA across both teams. Kelly's return is particularly notable as he is a Scottsdale native and played college baseball at Arizona State, making this deal a homecoming of sorts for the pitcher [https://apnews.com/article/arizona-diamondbacks-merrill-kelly-239c884e689016a3cf96341a86e647f0][https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/breaking-news/article/merrill-kelly-reportedly-returns-to-diamondbacks-on-two-year-40-million-deal-154101675.html]. ### Breakdown of the Deal and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Kelly has agreed to a two-year deal valued at $40 million, pending a physical examination [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/merrill_kelly_arizona_diamondbacks_agree_on_2_year_deal/s1_17396_43203383]. 2. **Performance Overview**: - In 2025, Kelly had a combined record of 12-9 with a 3.52 ERA, showcasing his reliability as a starting pitcher [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/merrill_kelly_opts_to_return_to_diamondbacks_after_a_half_season_with_rangers/s1_13132_43203407]. - After being traded to the Rangers, he made 10 starts, achieving a 3-3 record with a 4.23 ERA [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/merrill_kelly_opts_to_return_to_diamondbacks_after_a_half_season_with_rangers/s1_13132_43203407]. 3. **Team Needs**: - The Diamondbacks are looking to bolster their pitching depth after trading away Kelly and another key pitcher, Zac Gallen, who is currently a free agent [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/merrill_kelly_arizona_diamondbacks_agree_on_2_year_deal/s1_17396_43203383]. - Kelly's return is seen as a stabilizing move for the team, which has faced challenges in the pitching department [https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/diamondbacks-news-merrill-kelly-returns-arizona-40-million-contract]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Kelly's 2025 Performance**: - Combined Record: **12-9** - Combined ERA: **3.52** - Rangers Performance: **3-3 record, 4.23 ERA in 10 starts** [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/merrill_kelly_opts_to_return_to_diamondbacks_after_a_half_season_with_rangers/s1_13132_43203407]. - **Contract Value**: - Total Value: **$40 million** - Duration: **2 years** [https://americantalk.live/merrill-kelly-returning-to-diamondbacks-on-two-year-40-million-deal-after-brief-rangers-run]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Diamondbacks In summary, **Merrill Kelly's return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year, $40 million deal is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the team's pitching stability**. 1. **Contract Finalization**: Kelly's deal is pending a physical, but it is expected to be finalized soon [https://apnews.com/article/arizona-diamondbacks-merrill-kelly-239c884e689016a3cf96341a86e647f0]. 2. **Performance Reliability**: His solid performance in 2025, combined with his familiarity with the organization, makes him a valuable asset [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/merrill_kelly_arizona_diamondbacks_agree_on_2_year_deal/s1_17396_43203383]. 3. **Team Strategy**: The Diamondbacks are actively seeking to strengthen their pitching lineup, and Kelly's experience will be crucial as they aim for contention in the upcoming seasons [https://thepicks.com/us/news/mlb/merrill-kelly-diamondbacks-two-year-40-million-deal]. This move not only brings back a proven pitcher but also reinforces the team's commitment to building a competitive roster for the future.