Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly is among the notable participants in the WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am held this Wednesday in the Valley. Kelly’s return highlights his connection to the community and his ongoing passion for golf ahead of the new MLB season.
Reflecting on his third appearance at the Pro-Am, Kelly shared,
“I’m very honored to be here for the third time,”
and added,
“Obviously, this means a lot to the city, a lot to the Valley, a lot to the community.”
Kelly’s Return to Arizona and Career Context
After spending six years with the Arizona Diamondbacks at the start of his career and a recent trade to the Texas Rangers last season, Kelly signed a two-year contract to return to the D-backs this offseason. His homecoming is significant not only professionally but also personally as he brings his family back to Arizona.
“To be able to come back to them, come back to the Valley and bring my family home means a lot,”
he stated.
Kelly’s performance last season included a 3.52 ERA over 184 innings with a 1.114 WHIP. Despite being traded due to free agency and prospects received in return, his signing reflects the organization’s confidence and his desire to continue contributing in Arizona.
On his return, Kelly reflected, “It means everything.” He expressed gratitude toward the D-backs as the team that
“gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues in general and have as long of a career as I’ve been fortunate enough to have.”
Experience at the WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am
During the event, Kelly teamed up with notable golfers including 2023 Open Championship winner Brian Harman, Tom Hoge, and PGA Tour winner Tom Hoge. Also joining were San Tan Ford’s Tim Hovik, former MLB veteran Tom Candiotti, and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
Kelly values the atmosphere at the Open and the competitive excitement golf provides ahead of spring training. While he describes initial nerves as manageable, the energy ramps up especially at the famed par-3 16th hole, often packed with fans in a stadium-like setting.
Commenting on the broader significance of the event, Kelly noted,
“There’s so many good things that go on in between the golf and everything that goes on,”
and emphasized,
“I think it kind of gets overshadowed by the party stuff, but obviously, the amount of charity stuff and the amount of dollars that are being raised for obviously good causes other than just drinking alcohol is always a good thing.”
Last year, Kelly had the opportunity to play alongside Olympic legend Michael Phelps during the Pro-Am, further underscoring the event’s star-studded appeal and its mix of sports talents coming together for a common cause.
Community Impact and Looking Forward
The WM Phoenix Open continues to be a flagship event for Arizona, blending sports, charity, and community engagement. Kelly’s involvement not only reflects his personal ties to the Valley but also highlights the event’s role in supporting regional causes.
As spring training approaches, Kelly’s participation signals both his readiness to return to the mound and his commitment to remain connected with fans and sponsors through golf and community events. His return to the Diamondbacks is a hopeful chapter for both him and Arizona baseball, with expectations high for his contributions in the upcoming season.
"It means everything."
D-backs pitcher Merrill Kelly reflects on signing back with Arizona this offseason. pic.twitter.com/xZJ6UoC8GR
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 4, 2026
