Blue Jays Reportedly Seek Merrill Kelly Trade With Diamondbacks

The Toronto Blue Jays, currently contending for a playoff spot and holding the second wild card position in the American League, have a pressing need to bolster their starting pitching due to injuries and inconsistency. Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a trade that would send veteran right-handed starting pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Blue Jays in exchange for minor league prospects Kendry Rojas and Sam Shaw. Kelly, a 36-year-old with a 3.41 ERA and strong strikeout numbers this season, would address the Blue Jays' rotation issues, especially with key pitchers like Max Scherzer sidelined. Although Kelly prefers to finish his career in Arizona, the Diamondbacks, currently on the playoff bubble and without their ace Corbin Burnes for the season, could consider trading him as a rental to acquire solid prospects. This move would be a calculated risk for Toronto, aiming to strengthen their rotation for a playoff push, while the Diamondbacks weigh short-term competitiveness against future rebuilding options. The trade would capitalize on Kelly's postseason experience and consistency, potentially transforming the Blue Jays' chances in the second half of the season.