The Atlanta Braves have been desperate for answers — and now, they may have finally found one.
In the latest wave of trade buzz, veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been strongly linked to the Braves in a proposed deadline move that could reshape Atlanta’s season. With a struggling rotation, rising pressure from fans, and postseason hopes slipping, this deal — if completed — might just be the turning point the Braves need.
At 38-45, Atlanta has underperformed across the board in 2025. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued a roster built to contend.
But with just eight games separating them from a National League Wild Card spot, and no dominant teams blocking their path beyond the Dodgers and Phillies, the door remains open. The key is whether the Braves act decisively — and early reports suggest they are.
Merrill Kelly is not the kind of name that dominates headlines, but he is exactly the kind of pitcher that winning teams target. Now in his age-36 season, Kelly owns a 3.49 ERA, and since 2022, he has quietly outpitched some of the league’s biggest names, including Spencer Strider, Dylan Cease, and Hunter Greene in advanced metrics like ERA+. He doesn’t rely on overpowering velocity but instead controls games with a deep pitch arsenal, command, and experience.
He also brings something Atlanta can’t get from its current rotation: postseason poise. In 2023, Kelly was a key figure in Arizona’s surprise World Series run, posting a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 24 playoff innings. That kind of performance is what the Braves have lacked in recent Octobers — and pairing him with Chris Sale could finally give them a top-of-the-line duo to lean on.
Financially, Kelly’s deal is just as appealing. At $24 million, he’s affordable for a high-impact starter. And with the Diamondbacks now sliding out of contention due to injuries and inconsistency, several insiders believe Arizona could be willing to deal — especially if the return includes young controllable talent.
CBS Sports has already listed the Braves among the top three likely destinations for Kelly, alongside the Mariners and Twins. It’s a clear sign that Atlanta is not only being considered a buyer but one ready to act.
The Braves have yet to confirm their trade deadline direction, but this link to Merrill Kelly feels like more than just speculation. It’s the kind of move that signals confidence in a second-half surge — and a refusal to let the season slip away without a fight.
This isn’t about a blockbuster headline. It’s about stability, leadership, and playoff-tested ability. Merrill Kelly may not sell jerseys, but he might just help Atlanta secure a postseason berth — and that’s exactly what the Braves need right now.
If this deal comes to life, it won’t just rescue the rotation.
It could save the season.
