Rangers’ Merrill Kelly Named One of the Most Impactful MLB Trade Deadline Acquisitions
In urgent need of pitching support at the trade deadline, the Texas Rangers made a significant move by acquiring veteran starter Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks — a decision that’s paying off down the stretch. 
Injuries have plagued the Rangers’ rotation this season. While Jacob deGrom has remained available, Nathan Eovaldi’s standout season was cut short, and Tyler Mahle hasn’t pitched since June. Despite those setbacks, Texas has managed to hold its own on the mound. Young pitcher Jack Leiter has continued to improve, and though Patrick Corbin experienced mid-season struggles, he recently bounced back with a dominant eight-inning shutout performance.
Recognizing the need for a reliable, experienced arm, the Rangers traded for Kelly in late July. The veteran right-hander, known for his playoff experience, has brought stability to a rotation stretched thin by injuries.
Kelly’s Impact Recognized
One month after the MLB trade deadline, MLB.com’s Brian Murphy ranked Kelly among the top eight most impactful trade acquisitions across the league.
“Kelly hasn’t been lights-out,” Murphy wrote, “but with a 3.10 ERA over nearly 30 innings for Texas, his presence has been invaluable — especially after Eovaldi’s injury and with deGrom managing shoulder fatigue.”
Kelly delivered again Saturday night, allowing three earned runs over 6.1 innings in a win over the Oakland Athletics. The 9-3 victory marked the Rangers’ fourth straight and pushed them to 8-2 in their last 10 games. They now sit just 2.5 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot, currently held by the Seattle Mariners.
While Eovaldi’s absence has raised concerns about the team’s postseason potential, the Rangers are catching fire at the right moment. Kelly’s steady performance has played a key role in that momentum. His season ERA now sits at 3.24, continuing a strong campaign that began in Arizona.
Though a deep playoff run like 2023’s may be harder to envision without Eovaldi, a healthy rotation featuring deGrom, Mahle, Kelly, and Leiter gives Texas a fighting chance to make noise in October.
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