Padres Set Sights on Merrill Kelly as Key Addition in NL West Rivalry
The San Diego Padres are bracing for significant changes as they approach the offseason, with numerous pivotal contributors set to exit the roster. As the team gears up for a transformative period, the need for strategic acquisitions has never been more pressing.
Roster Overhaul on the Horizon
The Padres find themselves at a crossroads, with pitchers Michael King, Robert Suarez, and Dylan Cease among those who might don new uniforms in the upcoming season. The landscape will also shift for everyday players, highlighted by Luis Arraez hitting the free agency market alongside Ryan O’Hearn, who was brought in during the trade deadline.
In light of these potential departures, the Padres are looking to bolster their lineup. They are reportedly targeting a power hitter, aiming for someone like Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso to enhance their offensive production. However, as they navigate this offseason, finding value in the pitching market will be equally crucial for general manager A.J. Preller.
Merrill Kelly Emerges as a Prime Target
Mark Feinsand, an MLB analyst, has spotlighted veteran starter Merrill Kelly as one of the most appealing free-agent options available this winter. Feinsand suggests that Kelly could be a strong fit for the Padres, alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates. His assessment emphasizes Kelly’s durability and effectiveness as a mid-rotation starter, even as he approaches his late 30s.
Over his last 108 starts since the beginning of the 2022 season, Kelly has maintained a commendable 3.47 ERA. In 2025, he recorded a 12-9 record with a 3.52 ERA while ranking 14th in the majors with 184 innings pitched. Notably, he has improved his control, placing in the top 25% for walk rate in both of the last two seasons. Though he averages fewer than a strikeout per inning, his remarkable chase rate—32.8%, which falls in the 91st percentile—keeps hitters off balance and enhances his value.
Potential Suitors and Market Dynamics
While the Pirates may be interested in Kelly, their limited spending capacity could hinder a potential deal. If winning is Kelly’s priority, a return to the Diamondbacks might also be on the table, as they look to retool their squad.
From the Padres’ perspective, Kelly represents a logical choice. Pitching in the spacious confines of Petco Park, coupled with his familiarity with the competitive NL West, could make him an invaluable asset. Should King and Cease depart, the Padres would need to solidify their rotation, which currently features Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Nick Pivetta, and Randy Vasquez, with the possibility of Mason Miller transitioning into a starting role.
A Strategic Path Forward
As the Padres navigate this crucial offseason, the pursuit of Merrill Kelly could reflect a broader strategy of optimizing their roster while managing payroll constraints. With the right moves, they aim to not only fill the gaps left by departing players but also to maintain competitiveness within a challenging division. Kelly’s experience and proven track record could pave the way for a revitalized pitching staff ready to take on the rigors of the upcoming season.
