Merrill Kelly's journey through baseball has been nothing short of a homecoming tale. Growing up, attending college, and making his mark in Arizona, Kelly now looks to cap off his career where it all began.
The 37-year-old pitcher recently inked a two-year, $40 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, after a stint with the Texas Rangers late last season. If the Diamondbacks have their sights set on the playoffs in 2026, Kelly’s performance will be pivotal.
But before the season kicks into high gear, Kelly is navigating a minor hurdle. He’s experiencing some left mid-back tightness, according to reports from MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has indicated that Kelly will undergo imaging, but the level of concern remains low.
Given Kelly’s age, the team is likely to approach this situation with caution. Arizona is counting on him to anchor the rotation, especially with Corbin Burnes sidelined for the start of the season due to Tommy John surgery.
Kelly, however, doesn't need extra motivation. He’s driven to make the most of his remaining time in the majors, cherishing every moment on the mound.
Kelly’s path to the big leagues was anything but conventional. After years in the minors and a successful four-year stint in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), he finally debuted with the Diamondbacks in 2019.
For Kelly, the journey to MLB success was long, but he’s determined to extend this dream as far as it can go. His consistent performance is a testament to his value, and Arizona’s decision to bring him back underscores that.
With a career ERA of 3.77 over 1,008 1/3 innings, Kelly is hoping for a clean bill of health to gear up for his eighth MLB season. His story is one of perseverance and dedication, and as he prepares for another chapter with the Diamondbacks, fans will be watching closely, hoping for another standout season from this Arizona native.