One of the Arizona Diamondbacks' top targets has reportedly disclosed a list of teams he would prefer not to join next season, and surprisingly, the New York Yankees are among them.

Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has agreed to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million, two-year deal, according to a person familiar with the move.

After a few months away from the Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly will return to the team in 2026. Kelly will reportedly rejoin the team on a two-year deal after a strong run in Arizona and an uneven one with the Texas Rangers.

He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks at age 30 in 2019 and solidified himself as a key piece of the rotation in 2022, when he pitched a career-high 200 ⅓ innings over 33 starts.

The Arizona Diamondbacks nearly made a late push to the postseason in 2025, and now they are gearing up to get back to playing October baseball once again next season. On Sunday, the Diamondbacks agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with starting pitcher Merrill Kelly, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly agreed Sunday to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million deal.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are reuniting with right-hander Merrill Kelly, who agreed to terms with the club on a two-year, $40 million deal, a source confirmed on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Rangers sign free agent catcher from Diamondbacks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Texas Rangers have already signed one catcher this offseason in the form of Danny Jansen. They look set to add another, Jose Herrera.

After signing right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million deal, the Arizona Diamondbacks are still in need of rotation help.