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2026 Fantasy Baseball Player Profile

Merrill Kelly’s 2025 season was a successful return to durability and effectiveness, split between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pitching for two teams, he combined for a 12-9 record with a solid 3.52 ERA across 184.0 innings. Kelly proved his 2024 shoulder issues were behind him, making 32 starts and maintaining a 1.13 WHIP. His strikeout rate held steady at 22.3%, and he limited walks to just 6.4%, showcasing the command that has made him a reliable mid-rotation arm. He finished the season strong with Arizona after being traded mid-year, posting a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts for the D-backs.

Entering 2026, Kelly is back with the Diamondbacks on a newly signed 2-year, $40 million contract, solidifying his role in their rotation. Projections view him as a stable innings eater, forecasting an ERA around 3.94 and roughly 180 innings pitched. While he doesn't offer elite strikeout upside (projected for ~160 Ks), his ability to limit baserunners and go deep into games provides a high floor for fantasy managers. He should be drafted as a dependable SP3/4 who can help stabilize ratios and accumulate quality starts.