The Rangers acquire Merrill Kelly to bolster their rotation, while the Diamondbacks receive three pitching prospects.

Before the trade deadline, the Texas Rangers made a last-minute move, trading three pitching prospects to the Diamondbacks for right-hander Merrill Kelly, enhancing their already league-leading rotation with a 3.16 ERA.

Trade Details
Rangers receive: Right-hander Merrill Kelly
Diamondbacks receive: Left-hander Kohl Drake (5th ranked prospect in the Rangers system), left-hander Mitch Bratt (9th), and right-hander David Hagaman (13th).

General Manager Ross Fenstermaker stated, "A pitcher of Kelly's caliber can enhance our rotation depth, not only aiding in the regular season but also in our playoff strategy. His experience fits perfectly with our team system."

The Rangers' impressive July record (16 wins and 8 losses, with an 8-1 home record post-All-Star break) prompted them to adopt a buyer's mentality. President of Baseball Operations Chris Young explained the decision-making logic: "Analysis shows that strengthening our pitching staff is the best way to improve the team; Kelly adds both quality and depth to our rotation."

Known for his consistency (nicknamed "Rock Solid Merrill"), Kelly has a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts this season, with 128.2 innings pitched, 121 strikeouts, and 38 walks, allowing a .106 on-base percentage. Although his fastball only sits at 92-94 mph, after honing his skills in the KBO from 2015 to 2018, he joined the Diamondbacks in 2019 on a two-year, $5.5 million deal, helping the team reach the World Series in 2023 (allowing 6 runs in 24 playoff innings, and just 1 run in 7 innings during Game 2 of the World Series).

Kelly will become a free agent after the season. His addition forms a trio of postseason starters alongside Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, but the regular season rotation will need to adjust between Patrick Corbin and rookies Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter.

“Strengthening the bullpen while protecting our starters is equally crucial,” Young emphasized, “Kelly provides scheduling flexibility, allowing pitchers like deGrom to have some breathing room.” (Note: Both deGrom and Rocker are returning for their first full season after Tommy John surgery.)