The New York Yankees have acquired Arizona Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly in a blockbuster trade proposal, and we know exactly why.
There are growing speculations that the Diamondbacks are not in good standing. And if they fumble on making sense for their roster strength, the Yankees would benefit the most.
According to Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media, the Yankees should trade for Arizona pitcher Merrill Kelly.
🚨MOCK TRADE🚨
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) June 10, 2025
Our first mock trade of 2025 has the Yankees acquiring Merrill Kelly from the Diamondbacks…👀
NYY RECEIVES:
🔵RHP Merrill Kelly
ARI RECEIVES:
🔴RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz
🔴LHP Griffin Herring
🔴RHP Brendan Beck
Who says no?#Yankees pic.twitter.com/nLnqud2we6
The seasoned right-handed star is in the final season of a three-year, $23 million extension with the Diamondbacks. And as Arizona is struggling this season, speculation has risen around Kelly potentially being traded.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report has also ranked Kelly as the No. 2 pitcher likely to be available.
As per Garcia’s proposal, the Yankees could trade minor-league pitchers Brendan Beck, Griffin Herring, and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz to secure Kelly.
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This move carries significant weight as it would provide the Yankees with a reliable third starter that could be essential in a playoff series.
Merrill Kelly Could Solve A Lot Of Problems For The Yankees
Kelly, who contributed to the Diamondbacks’ run to the 2023 World Series, is enjoying another impressive season.
The Texas-born star is boasting a record of 6-2, a 3.18 ERA, and a 0.99 WHIP across his first 14 starts.
Despite not being a high-strikeout pitcher, under one strikeout average per inning for his career, Kelly is celebrated for his elite command and diverse six-pitch repertoire.
With all these ready-to-use skills, he could effectively manage games and conserve the bullpen for the Yankees.
Although the Yankees trading for Kelly may not capture a lot of eyeballs.
He packs the qualities of a reliable pitcher capable of making consistent starts, which aligns with the Yankees’ aspirations for a deep postseason run.
Kelly himself expressed a desire to inspire younger players through consistency and discipline. He emphasized the long-term benefits of such qualities in a recent magazine interview.
Also Read: Diamondbacks Trade Rumors: MLB Insider Sees Veteran Pitcher Parting Ways Ahead Of Deadline (VIDEO)
