The Detroit Tigers, who recently experienced a downturn by losing 13 of their last 16 games, remain in a strong position with a nine-game lead in the AL Central. However, the team clearly recognizes the need for reinforcements as the trade deadline approaches. This urgency was highlighted by their recent acquisition of Chris Paddack to bolster the starting rotation, replacing the injured Reese Olson.
Reports indicate the Tigers are now considering another step to strengthen their rotation. John Gambadoro from 98.7 FM Phoenix revealed that the Tigers have expressed interest in acquiring Merrill Kelly, the right-handed pitcher from the Arizona Diamondbacks. With Arizona actively moving several impending free agents like Josh Naylor, Kelly is expected to be available, although it is uncertain how strongly Detroit will pursue him amid their primary focus on enhancing the bullpen.
Balancing Rotation Needs With Bullpen Targets
While the Tigers prioritize improving their relief pitching, with names like Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and David Bednar linked to Detroit’s bullpen plans, the front office remains open to multiple trade avenues. President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has also shown interest in potential upgrades at third base, notably with Ke’Bryan Hayes and former Tigers player Eugenio Suarez among the trade candidates from Arizona.
The need to reinforce the starting rotation predates Olson’s injury. Detroit’s staff currently includes Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Paddack, but uncertainty persists regarding the fifth starter’s role. Adding Merrill Kelly could bring much-needed stability to the rotation, easing pressure on a bullpen that has struggled at times this season.
Merrill Kelly’s 2025 Performance and Impact Potential
Merrill Kelly has rebounded effectively from an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, compiling a 3.22 ERA across 128 and two-thirds innings this year. His strikeout rate of 23.5%, combined with a 45% groundball rate and a 7.4% walk rate, all surpass league averages. Kelly’s .247 BABIP suggests his success has been partly aided by favorable defensive outcomes, while his 3.78 SIERA indicates the hard contact he allows might temper some optimism.
Nevertheless, Kelly has maintained consistent form throughout his seven MLB seasons with the Diamondbacks. His strong showing during Arizona’s 2023 NL pennant run also adds postseason experience that the Tigers would value as they aim for a deeper playoff run this fall. Furthermore, Kelly’s contract remains team-friendly, with approximately $2.31 million of a $7 million salary still owed, making the right-hander an attainable option for contenders.
Kelly Reflects on Possible Trade and Future Plans
Following a recent start, which could be one of his last in a Diamondbacks uniform, Merrill Kelly spoke openly with Arizona Republic reporter Nick Piecoro and others about his outlook. While a trade before the deadline seems possible, Kelly conveyed a positive spirit about the prospect of joining a new team with strong playoff potential.
Obviously, I understand the nature of the beast and the business aspect of it,
Kelly said.
The idea of, if I do get traded and if I do go somewhere…the chance to win is obviously in the forefront of my mind. That all being said, I love being here. I have always loved being here. I would always be open to being a Snake moving forward.
—Merrill Kelly, Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
Strategic Importance of Potential Kelly Acquisition
Acquiring Merrill Kelly would address one of the Tigers’ most pressing challenges by adding a reliable and experienced starter to their rotation. This improvement would not only provide innings stability but also reduce the burden on a bullpen that Detroit is actively trying to strengthen. As Detroit pushes toward the postseason, integrating a pitcher with Kelly’s experience and skill set could enhance their competitiveness in the tightly contested AL Central and beyond.
With the trade deadline looming, the Tigers’ dual focus on bolstering both starting pitching and the relief corps shows a balanced and thoughtful approach to sustaining their current success and striving for a more extended playoff presence. How aggressively Detroit pursues Kelly and other trade targets like Hayes and Suarez will be critical to the team’s trajectory in the coming weeks.