Pitching Rotation
Diamondbacks re-sign Merrill Kelly to two-year, $40 million contract
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The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly on a two-year, $40 million deal, pending a physical. Kelly, who was traded to the Texas Rangers at the 2025 deadline, returns to the team where he spent the first six-and-a-half years of his MLB career. The 37-year-old provides stability to Arizona's rotation amid several pitching uncertainties.
At 29 years old, Chicago White Sox pitcher Davis Martin begins the 2026 season with the longest service time by debut date among teammates. Reflecting on his career trajectory from debut to injury recovery, Martin emphasizes his role in fostering team culture amid ongoing rebuild efforts. His leadership extends to offseason bonding with younger rotation mates.
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The Texas Rangers officially introduced left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore at Globe Life Field following his trade from the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old All-Star joins a rotation that led baseball with a 3.41 ERA in 2025. Gore expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete for a championship in Texas.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal, bolstering their rotation after a World Series loss. The agreement, reported on Wednesday, includes some deferrals and marks the first nine-figure free-agent contract of the offseason. Cease, previously with the San Diego Padres, joins a strong pitching staff featuring Shane Bieber, José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, and Trey Yesavage.
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The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off an AL Pennant win but a World Series loss in 2025, are addressing key weaknesses this offseason. They signed free agent Dylan Cease and retained Shane Bieber to strengthen their starting rotation. Meanwhile, the team recognizes the need to improve its below-average defense.
The Chicago Cubs declined a three-year option on left-hander Shota Imanaga's contract on Tuesday, prompting the 32-year-old pitcher to decline his one-year player option and enter free agency. Imanaga, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal before the 2024 season, posted a 3.73 ERA in 2025 amid struggles with home runs and a hamstring injury. The Cubs may still extend a qualifying offer worth $22.025 million by Thursday.
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San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish announced he will miss the entire 2026 MLB season after undergoing UCL repair surgery with an internal brace on his right elbow. The procedure, performed last week by Dr. Keith Meister, also addressed a flexor tendon issue. Darvish, a five-time All-Star, has been hampered by injuries in recent years.