Merrill Kelly traded to Texas Rangers

The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded veteran starting pitcher and longtime rotation mainstay Merrill Kelly to the Texas Rangers.

Diamondbacks trade Merrill Kelly to Rangers as part of lineup shake-up

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks sent veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly to the Texas Rangers ahead of the trade deadline, according to Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro. In return, the Diamondbacks acquired three pitching prospects—Kohl Drake, David Hagaman, and Mitch Bratt. These prospects are ranked as the No. 5, No. 9, and No. 13 in the Texas system, respectively. This trade follows a series of transactions by Arizona, including recent deals involving first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Kelly, 37, has had a successful year, showcasing a 3.22 ERA over 128.2 innings. He delivered a strong final performance for Arizona, allowing just one earned run in 6.2 innings last Saturday. As he enters free agency next season, Kelly has expressed a desire to achieve 10 years of MLB service time, currently sitting at six. His journey to this level includes three years with the SK Wyverns in Korea before joining the Diamondbacks in 2019.

This trade marks a significant moment for both the Diamondbacks and the Rangers. For Arizona, it reflects a commitment to rebuilding their team by acquiring younger talent. The departure of Kelly, a key player who has delivered consistently, raises concerns about the team's immediate future. Meanwhile, Texas gains a seasoned pitcher who can enhance their playoff push, indicating their willingness to invest in the current season. As both teams navigate this transition, the ripple effects of this trade may impact their performance and strategic direction for years to come.

Highlights

Future performance of both teams remains uncertain as they adapt to these changes.