Merrill Kelly trade grades: Who won Texas Rangers trade with Arizona Diamondbacks?
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Texans Rangers pulled off a trade on July 31, with Arizona sending pitcher Merrill Kelly to Texas for left-handers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt and right-hander David Hagaman.
Kelly is set to become a free agent after this season. He has a 3.22 ERA this season with a 9-6 record. He has 121 strikeouts and has walked 38 batters.
MLB.com lists Drake as the Rangers' No. 5 prospect. Hagaman was No. 13. Bratt was No. 9.
What grades did the Diamondbacks and Rangers receive for the trade? Who won the 2025 MLB trade deadline deal?
Check out the early reviews for the trade between the DBacks and Rangers at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
Paste BN Sports: Diamondbacks earn a B+, Rangers get an A- for Merrill Kelly trade
It writes: "Holding a ton of trade chips this month, Arizona has been frustrated by the slow market. Having already unloaded Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez, the Diamondbacks get three prospects in exchange for Kelly, a free agent at the end of the season. Drake was the Rangers' No. 5 prospect and has a 3.10 ERA in 16 minor-league games this season."
Fansided: Diamondbacks receive a B+, Rangers land an A- for Merrill Kelly trade
Zachary Rotman writes: "The Diamondbacks didn't get a top 100 prospect, but these are three fliers very much worth taking, especially for a team in dire need of pitching. Not a bad deal for a rental."
ESPN: Diamondbacks given a B+, Rangers take a B- for Merrill Kelly trade
Bradford Doolitte writes: "Diamondbacks baseball chief Mike Hazen doesn't mess around when he decides to subtract. The Snakes are going to look very different coming out of the deadline, and their fans have to wonder what might have been if Arizona had enjoyed better injury luck. Drake is the standout here, a 6-5 lefty with good stuff, a deep arsenal and above-average command, he has a chance to be at least a mid-rotation starter. Hagaman is raw and, at 22, remains in the low minors as he seeks to improve his control enough to allow his lively pitches to play. If Drake doesn't lead this pack, Bratt does. Another lefty, Bratt was a top-10 Rangers prospect at MLB Pipeline who is having a big season in the Double-A Texas League. Bratt, 21, is very young for that level, yet is 6-3 with a 3.18 ERA, 106 strikeouts and just 16 walks. He has given up 13 long balls."
Bleacher Report: Diamondbacks land an A, Rangers earn a B for Merrill Kelly trade
Zachary D. Rymer writes: "The Diamondbacks set a goal of replenishing their pitching ahead of the deadline, and this trade certainly accomplishes that. Drake, Bratt and Hagaman were all among the Rangers' top 13 prospects for MLB Pipeline. Drake is the closest to being ready for the majors, as he's made it to Triple-A while posting a 3.10 ERA in 16 appearances overall. He's a 6'5", 220-pounder with a good fastball and curveball."
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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