Merrill Kelly to make first career Opening Day start for D-backs

The 37-year-old right-hander returns to Arizona on a two-year, $40 million contract after being traded to the Rangers last season.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has announced that Merrill Kelly will be the team's Opening Day starter on March 26 against the Dodgers, the first such assignment of the 37-year-old right-hander's career. Kelly rejoined the D-backs this offseason on a two-year, $40 million deal after being traded to the Rangers at last year's deadline.

Why it matters

Kelly has been a reliable presence in the Diamondbacks' rotation since 2019, making at least 27 starts in all but two seasons. His selection as Opening Day starter reflects the team's confidence in him as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Originally drafted by the Rays in 2010, Kelly spent four seasons playing in Korea before signing with the Diamondbacks in 2019. After some early struggles, he has emerged as a consistent and effective starter, posting a 3.77 ERA and 113 OPS+ in 172 big league starts. Kelly was traded to the Rangers at last year's deadline but has now returned to Arizona on a new two-year contract.

  • Merrill Kelly will make his first career Opening Day start on March 26, 2026 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Kelly rejoined the Diamondbacks this offseason on a two-year, $40 million contract.

The players

Merrill Kelly

A 37-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been a fixture in the Diamondbacks' rotation since 2019, earning the nickname "Merrill the Mainstay." He was traded to the Rangers at last year's deadline but has now returned to Arizona on a new two-year contract.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who announced that Kelly will be the team's Opening Day starter in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Most springs, Torey Lovullo waits until near the end of camp to announce his Opening Day starter, but this year the choice was so obvious to the Diamondbacks manager that he announced it less than a week after pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training.”

— Steve Gilbert, Author (mlb.com)

What’s next

Kelly will take the mound for the Diamondbacks on March 26 as they open the 2026 season against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

The takeaway

Merrill Kelly's selection as the Diamondbacks' Opening Day starter reflects his emergence as a reliable and consistent presence in the team's rotation over the past several seasons. His return to Arizona on a new contract signals the organization's faith in him as they look to bounce back in 2026.