Right-hander Merrill Kelly and Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen addressed reporters Friday after Kelly's two-year, $40 million contract to return following his 2025 trade deadline swap to the Texas Rangers. Kelly called Arizona 'home' amid mutual interest from the start, while Hazen detailed negotiation challenges.
Merrill Kelly, a mainstay in the Diamondbacks' rotation before his midseason trade to the Rangers, has officially rejoined Arizona on a two-year, $40 million deal.
Kelly shared his emotions during Friday's media availability: "Home is where the heart is. We couldn't be happier with how it worked out, and couldn't be happier to be back. Anytime you get traded, there's always a bit of doubt with whatever that situation is, but the conversations that I had with the front office during the trade, right off the bat, they expressed interest in me coming back."
Hazen explained avoiding extension talks midseason: "Once a player gets to the last year, [it's] very complicated to do a deal," he said. "I'm not saying it can't happen; it's just I find it to be more complex."
Kelly expressed no bitterness about the trade: "I think at the time, it was the right move [for the organization]. I think my value at the time was at an all-time high, and I think they saw it as an opportunity to do what they just did."
Kelly inked the agreement while attending outfielder Alek Thomas's wedding in Mexico, opting for discretion amid festivities and sharing the news with teammates Ryne Nelson and Jake McCarthy. "I tried to keep it as low-key as I could," he said.
Joined by recent signee Mike Soroka, Kelly gives Arizona five veteran starters. The team plans additional pitching help, potentially through trades involving All-Star Ketel Marte, though no deals are close.