Merrill Kelly is a prominent MLB pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, he displayed baseball talent in high school and college before entering professional play. Kelly made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since accumulated a solid win-loss record and an impressive career ERA. In conjunction with his MLB success, he previously excelled in the KBO, leading the SK Wyverns to a championship. His path and achievements reflect a dedication to the sport that is truly remarkable.
Early Life
Merrill Kelly is a professional baseball player who had a promising early life marked by notable achievements in his athletic career.
He grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he attended Desert Mountain High School, demonstrating his exceptional pitching skills. Following high school, Kelly continued to develop his talent by playing college baseball at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, before transferring to Arizona State University.
His impressive performance during his collegiate career ultimately led to his selection in the 2010 MLB Draft, where he was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 8th round.
Kelly’s path through childhood, high school, and college laid a solid foundation for his future success in Major League Baseball.
Family Life
Merrill Kelly shares a strong bond with his supportive wife, who has stood by him throughout his baseball career and the challenges of injury recovery.
The couple often shares insights into their family life on social media, highlighting their adventures together.
Kelly places a high value on maintaining a balance between his professional commitments and family time, frequently expressing gratitude for the steadfast support he receives from his wife.
Although specific details about children remain private, it is clear that family plays an essential role in Kelly’s life outside of baseball.
Career
Merrill Kelly, drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010, made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 1, 2019.
Throughout his career, he has established himself as a reliable pitcher, showcasing a win-loss record of 58-46 and a career ERA of 3.80 over 888.1 innings pitched.
In the 2025 regular season, Kelly excelled with a 5-2 record and a 3.52 ERA, demonstrating his skill by striking out 58 batters and issuing only 16 walks in 64 innings.
His professional expedition also includes a successful stint in the KBO, where he led the SK Wyverns to a Korean Series title in 2018, further solidifying his reputation as a talented pitcher on the international stage.
Net Worth
Merrill Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, considerably influenced by his current $24 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks and his previous $24 million earnings from four seasons in the KBO.
Over the years, his salaries have progressively increased, with notable figures including $2 million in 2019, $3 million in 2020, $4 million in 2021, $5 million in 2022, and reaching $8.5 million in 2023.
His career WAR of 14.6 and these substantial earnings further improve his financial portfolio, positioning him well for future earnings in MLB.