As the Texas Rangers wrap up their 2025 season, it's time to dissect the contributions of each player who donned the uniform this year. Today, we're diving into the performance of pitcher Merrill Kelly.
Kelly, acquired by the Rangers in 2025, turned out to be a classic mid-rotation starter. His game is defined by solid, if unspectacular, consistency.
He strikes out a fair number of batters, keeps walks in check, and is somewhat prone to giving up home runs. He's the type of pitcher teams often seek out as a rental for the middle of their rotation, providing stability without the expectation of fireworks.
In his stint with the Rangers, Kelly's performance didn't leave a lasting impression. He was dependable but not particularly memorable, posting a 4.23 ERA and a 4.18 FIP over 55 innings in 10 starts. While these numbers aren't disastrous, they didn't quite meet the high hopes the Rangers had for the final stretch of the season.
The Rangers parted with three pitching prospects to bring Kelly on board. Among them were Mitch Bratt and Kohl Drake, both left-handers with potential but not seen as top-tier prospects.
David Hagaman, the 2024 fourth-round pick, was also part of the deal. Despite undergoing elbow surgery, Hagaman has shown promise since returning to the mound.
While none of these prospects were considered premium picks, credit goes to the Rangers' scouting and player development staff for turning them into assets for a trade. The hope was that Kelly could be a key player in a potential playoff run, but unfortunately, the Rangers fell short of reaching the postseason.
Kelly's tenure with the Rangers may not have been a game-changer, but he wasn't the sole reason for the team's playoff miss. After the season, he returned to Arizona, and both parties moved on. The trade deadline is always a gamble, and sometimes, the dice don't roll in your favor.
As we continue to reflect on the season, Kelly's time with the Rangers serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball trades and the challenges teams face in pursuit of success.