Red Sox to Sign Merrill Kelly on $13.5 Million Deal – Urgent Update

Published

3 hours ago

18 November, 2025

editorial

UPDATE: The Boston Red Sox are poised to make a significant move in free agency, projected to sign pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Texas Rangers on a $13.5 million deal. This urgent news comes as the team aims to bolster its pitching staff ahead of the critical October season.

The Red Sox have faced challenges throughout this season, heavily relying on younger pitchers during crucial moments. While this strategy did not derail their efforts entirely, it highlighted their need for reliable options as they prepare for the postseason. According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, Kelly would be a strong addition to the team’s rotation, especially if they opt not to re-sign Lucas Giolito.

With star pitcher Garrett Crochet leading the rotation and Brayan Bello as a solid number two, the Red Sox still face uncertainty beyond that. Emerging talents such as Connelly Early have only pitched 19 regular-season innings in their MLB careers, while Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are recovering from Tommy John surgery. Furthermore, Tanner Houck is expected to miss all of 2026 due to similar surgery performed in August.

As the Red Sox strategize for the upcoming season, they are also eyeing potential big-name hitters like Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, which could strain their budget for pitching. Thus, signing a veteran like Kelly at a reasonable price would be a strategic move, allowing for a balanced team composition instead of chasing an ace at over $150 million.

The Red Sox’s decision to focus on Kelly reflects their understanding of the current market and their need for stability in the pitching department. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this deal unfolds, hoping it marks the beginning of a successful offseason.

What happens next? The Red Sox are expected to finalize the agreement soon, with an official announcement anticipated within the week. This signing could reshape their trajectory as they aim for a stronger performance in the postseason. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!