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Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently polled a group of MLB executives in order to get a clearer picture of what to expect ahead of the trade deadline this season. This group of executives seemed to believe the Arizona Diamondbacks would look to trade veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly in the coming weeks.
“Kelly, 36, is an impending free agent who grew up in Arizona and would prefer to finish his career as a Diamondback. However, as one GM told me, the D-Backs can trade him at the deadline as a rental and then re-sign him in the offseason,” Bowden wrote. “That would allow Arizona to improve its farm system with a solid prospect or two as the return. Kelly is 7-4 this year with a 3.49 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 17 starts. He’s struck out 100 in 98 innings. His 2025 salary is just $7 million.”
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The Diamondbacks could and should look to trade Kelly this season. He’s in the middle of a career year and sits on an expiring contract. As Bowden notes, if the Diamondbacks trade him away, they could look to re-sign him in free agency next winter if they wanted to.
Either way, capitalizing on his value right now should be the most important priority for Arizona.
A deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers would work if the Diamondbacks are comfortable trading in the division. The Dodgers have seemed to like rental pitchers at the trade deadline in the past.
The New York Yankees make a lot of sense as a trade destination, too. New York is a starting pitcher or two away from running away with the American League East.
The Chicago Cubs are seemingly all-in to win this year. They could get aggressive as they look to replace Justin Steele.
The Detroit Tigers are the surprise of the season. They’re one of the best teams in baseball, but could improve a lot by adding another pitcher like Kelly at the trade deadline.
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