With the MLB trade deadline just days away, the Arizona Diamondbacks are seriously considering trading starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly due to their bleak postseason outlook. Sitting ten games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and six games out of a playoff spot, the Diamondbacks have shifted focus to selling assets, evident in recent trades sending Josh Naylor to Seattle and Randal Grichuk to Kansas City, as they seek to rebuild for future seasons. The growing Merrill Kelly trade rumors Diamondbacks face highlight a strategic pivot toward acquiring long-term value instead of chasing an unlikely playoff run.
Pitching Depth and Trade Value Influence Team Decisions
The team’s declining position in the standings has undercut the rationale for retaining both Gallen and Kelly for the rest of the season. Although each pitcher would likely reject a Qualifying Offer this winter—giving Arizona compensation in draft picks if kept—the club‘s management is cautious about stretching its pitching staff too thin. Insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted that the Diamondbacks want trade offers exceeding the value of the draft picks they could receive and enough to offset the burden losing these veterans would place on their rotation. This careful calculation reflects Arizona’s concern about depth, especially given injuries to other pitchers like Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez within the organization.
Balancing Present Challenges with Future Potential
Despite a projected playoff probability of just 5.4% according to Fangraphs, the Diamondbacks still retain core players who could keep the club competitive in the coming years. This explains the rationale behind exploring trade options for Gallen and Kelly to bolster the team’s future assets. The team’s strategy also includes targeting younger pitchers who can immediately contribute at the major league level, which would help ease the potential strain on Arizona’s rotation if their veteran starters are traded before the deadline. Such acquisitions would be crucial to managing innings and maintaining competitiveness during the remainder of the season.
Management Confirms Strong Interest in Veteran Starters
General Manager Mike Hazen openly acknowledged over the weekend he has received “strong interest” in both Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, underscoring their appeal on the trade market. Kelly, presenting a 3.22 ERA this season with consistent peripheral numbers, fits the profile of a reliable second starter. Meanwhile, Gallen, despite a comparatively down year, has previously demonstrated ace potential, with notable finishes in NL Cy Young voting in past seasons. Both pitchers also showcase noteworthy postseason performances, with Kelly’s 2.25 career playoff ERA standing out more favorably against Gallen’s 4.54 ERA. Their status as top rental starters makes them prime targets for teams vying for postseason berths.
Strong Demand for Starting Pitchers Across the League
League-wide demand for starting pitching is high this summer, increasing the likelihood that the Diamondbacks will field multiple offers for their veteran arms. Teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs have been linked to Gallen or Kelly, while other clubs, such as the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, are actively seeking rotation reinforcements. Additional contenders including the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros are also expected to participate in the market for pitching help. This competitive environment provides Arizona with leverage as they evaluate potential trade packages ahead of the deadline.
The Road Ahead: How Trades Could Shape the Diamondbacks’ Future
The Diamondbacks’ openness to trading Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly marks a decisive moment in the team’s 2024 season and their longer-term rebuilding process. While parting ways with proven veterans is never a decision without risks—especially amid injuries to pitchers like Corbin Burnes and A.J. Puk—the potential return in prospects or young major-league-ready arms could accelerate Arizona’s path back to contention. As trade talks intensify in the coming days, the club’s front office must carefully balance present roster needs against the opportunity to strengthen the team for the 2026 season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Merrill Kelly married?
A. Kelly and his wife, Bre, are parents to two kids—Hadley and a baby boy named Hayes who is five months old. At the baseball field, Kelly concentrates fully on the game. However, once the game is finished and the day ends, he dedicates all his attention to his family.