What Merrill Kelly’s Return to Arizona Means for the Astros

The MLB offseason keeps heating up, and one major pitching decision has already sent ripple effects across the league. Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly is officially returning to the Diamondbacks. While the move does not involve the Houston Astros directly, it carries real implications for a Houston club hungry for rotation help after an up-and-down 2024 campaign.

Kelly has long been one of the most consistent arms in the National League, and his return to Arizona takes a reliable veteran off the open market. For a team like the Astros—who are navigating injuries, aging starters, and rising competition in the AL West—every available arm matters.

Why It Matters for the Astros

Houston entered the offseason with starting pitching as a top priority. Justin Verlander is nearing the end of his career, Cristian Javier looks to rebound, and the club continues to work through younger arms developing at the big-league level. With Kelly off the table, the pool of dependable starters shrinks, increasing pressure on the Astros’ front office to stay aggressive.

The market was already tight, and this latest move means rival clubs may increase prices on remaining free agents and trade targets. The Astros will need to decide quickly whether they want to make a splash or take a more patient, value-driven approach.

What’s Next

Houston fans should expect more movement soon. With Winter Meetings chatter already in full swing, the Astros are in the mix on several possible pitching solutions. Kelly’s return to Arizona might seem like a small note in a busy offseason, but it reshapes the options available and raises the stakes for teams that still need rotation depth.

Whether Houston targets a mid-tier veteran, seeks a trade opportunity, or pushes for a bigger name, the next few weeks could define the club’s outlook for 2025.

This article is a summary of reporting by Bleed Cubbie Blue. Read the full story here.