Merrill Kelly Finalizes $40M, 2-Year Deal with Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly has finalized a two-year, $40 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking his official return. The contract includes a $2 million signing bonus, $17 million in 2026, $21 million in 2027, and a vesting option for 2028 ($12M-$14M based on innings). The 37-year-old right-hander, who was traded to the Texas Rangers in July, finished 2025 with a combined 12-9 record and a 3.52 ERA. He is expected to be the D-backs' No. 1 starter next spring and was a key part of their 2023 World Series run.