The New York Mets have secured pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a major trade designed to enhance their starting rotation. As the Diamondbacks fall behind in the National League Wild Card race, the Mets are adding a proven playoff pitcher to their staff with the aim of bolstering their chances in the postseason.
With 59 games remaining in the season, the Arizona Diamondbacks hold a 50-53 record and trail the last Wild Card position by 5.5 games. Facing a likely rebuilding phase, Arizona is reportedly selling several players, including Kelly, who has had an impressive season despite being on a struggling team. This trade addresses the Mets’ need for reliable pitching depth as they approach the critical stretch of the schedule.
Details of the Trade Between Mets and Diamondbacks
In exchange for Merrill Kelly, the New York Mets will send two rising prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks: outfielder and second baseman A.J. Ewing, currently ranked as the Mets’ No. 9 prospect, and right-handed pitcher Jack Wenninger, the organization’s No. 14 prospect. This transaction reflects the Mets’ urgency to reinforce their rotation while the D-Backs focus on acquiring young talent for the future.
Kelly, 36, may have been a late arrival to Major League Baseball, but he has compiled a consistent career with a 3.76 ERA over seven seasons. Notably, he posted a 2.25 ERA over four starts in the 2023 playoffs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The Mets view him as a potential rotation mainstay, especially with the possibility of Clay Holmes moving to the bullpen.
A.J. Ewing, just 20 years old, is making his mark in Single-A ball, hitting .316 with a .424 on-base percentage and swiping 55 bases over 83 games. The left-handed hitter’s versatility playing outfield and second base makes him a valuable prospect for the rebuilding Diamondbacks.
Jack Wenninger, a 23-year-old righty pitching at Double-A Binghamton, has posted a 2.96 ERA in 18 starts this season and has steadily improved his performance since 2023. As Arizona could lose both Merrill Kelly and fellow starter Zac Gallen, Wenninger represents a promising option to strengthen their pitching staff in the coming years.
Impact of Merrill Kelly’s Arrival on Mets and Fantasy Baseball
For Merrill Kelly, moving from a sub-.500 Diamondbacks squad to the Mets, who are in contention for a World Series, offers a significant opportunity to improve his win-loss record and contribute meaningfully in the playoffs. Already carrying a 9-5 record this season, Kelly stands to benefit from more consistent run support and team success with New York.
The trade also creates fantasy baseball ramifications, as Kelly’s shift to a more competitive team makes him an attractive option for fantasy managers seeking reliable starting pitchers during the stretch run. His proven postseason ability adds further appeal for those targeting players with experience in high-pressure situations.
Prospects Sent to Arizona Signal Future Plans
The choice to trade Ewing and Wenninger highlights the Mets’ win-now approach, exchanging promising youth for immediate impact. Both prospects have shown considerable potential, suggesting the Diamondbacks are investing in rebuilding their roster with young players who can develop into key contributors.
For Arizona, losing Kelly and potentially other veterans like Zac Gallen indicates a shift toward replenishing their farm system and preparing for future competitiveness, a strategy common for teams falling out of playoff contention midseason.
What This Means for the Mets as the Season Progresses
Landing Merrill Kelly gives the Mets valuable rotation depth, especially with uncertainty surrounding Clay Holmes’ role possibly shifting to the bullpen. Kelly’s consistent career and playoff experience could provide the Mets with more pitching stability heading into the final months of the season and postseason.
If Kelly performs well in New York, the Mets might consider re-signing him on a short-term deal to maintain a strong rotation moving forward. This trade reflects the franchise’s intent to build a pitching staff capable of deep playoff runs while balancing the development of younger players internally.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Merrill Kelly married?
A. Kelly has two kids with his wife, Bre: Hadley and a baby boy named Hayes who is five months old. While at the ballpark, Kelly concentrates entirely on baseball. After the game ends, he shifts his attention fully to his family.