Overview
- MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal report a two-year, $40 million agreement for Kelly to return to Arizona, which the team has not yet confirmed.
- Kelly finished 2025 with a 3.52 ERA over 184 innings and 18 quality starts, continuing a run of durability and command that includes a 91st-percentile chase rate.
- The right-hander was dealt to the Rangers at the July 31 deadline before this reported reunion, with Arizona having acquired prospects Mitch Bratt, Kohl Drake and David Hagaman in the trade.
- The move is expected to stabilize a rotation that will open 2026 without Corbin Burnes as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery, according to recent coverage.
- Some analysts suggest the reported deal could influence Arizona's offseason approach, including lowering the likelihood of a Zac Gallen return.