Rangers Enhance Pitching Staff with Merrill Kelly Acquisition

The Texas Rangers secured right-hander Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, a strategic move aimed at reinforcing their pitching rotation as the trade deadline approached.

In return, the Diamondbacks received three minor league pitchers: left-handers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt, along with right-hander David Hagaman, marking a significant transaction for both teams.

At 36, Kelly has dedicated all seven of his major league seasons to the Diamondbacks. Notably, he was the sole Arizona pitcher to triumph over the Rangers during the 2023 World Series, delivering a stellar performance with seven innings of shutout baseball in Game 2.

"We know when he takes the ball, we've seen it firsthand playing against him, and we have heard from so many people what an ultra competitor he is," remarked Chris Young, president of baseball operations for the Rangers. "So happy he's a Ranger."

This season, Kelly boasts a record of 9-6, accompanied by a 3.22 ERA and 121 strikeouts across 128 2/3 innings pitched.

In addition to Kelly, the Rangers also fortified their bullpen by acquiring right-hander Phil Maton from the St. Louis Cardinals. The deal involved sending minor leaguers Skylar Hales and Mason Molina, along with international bonus pool money. Maton, 32, has recorded a 2.35 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 38 1/3 innings this season.

Furthermore, Texas added left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league left-hander Garrett Horn, further enhancing their pitching depth.

As of Thursday, the Rangers held a record of 57-52, sharing the final American League wild-card spot with the Seattle Mariners.

On the other side of the trade, the Diamondbacks opted to sell at the deadline, parting ways with first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suarez in separate transactions with the Mariners. Outfielder Randal Grichuk was also traded to the Royals, while pitchers Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery were sent to the Brewers for cash considerations.

Currently sitting at 51-58, Arizona entered the season with playoff aspirations. General manager Mike Hazen expressed his disappointment regarding Kelly's departure, acknowledging the challenges faced by the team this season.

"There's the collective disappointment in how we've played," Hazen stated. "We all feel it. The players feel it; I've certainly taken responsibility, shared that with them, how I didn't do a good enough job to keep this team in position to keep going."