After Merrill Kelly deal, these impact starters are still on the market

After Merrill Kelly deal, these impact starters are still on the market originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t just bring back a familiar arm when they re-signed Merrill Kelly to a two-year, $40 million deal. The move helped clarify the shape of the remaining starting pitching market.

Kelly’s return to Phoenix was never much of a secret.

Both sides made clear after his trade to Texas at the deadline that a reunion was the goal, and once the Diamondbacks secured it, one more reliable mid-rotation option came off the board. For teams still shopping for starting pitching, that matters. The safety net just got smaller.

What remains at the top of the market now leans more toward upside, projection, or risk tolerance than certainty.

Framber Valdez stands out as the most accomplished starter still available. The left-hander has a long track record of durability and postseason experience, the kind of profile that appeals to teams looking for innings as much as impact. He’s not flashy, but he's a groundball machine. In a winter where clubs are prioritizing stability, however, Valdez's makeup may be what is holding him back. Last season's incident, where he appeared to intentionally cross up his catcher because of frustration, has raised many questions.

Ranger Suarez fits a similar mold, though with a slightly different appeal. The lefty has proven he can navigate strong lineups and handle October pressure, and his ability to limit hard contact keeps him attractive even without overpowering velocity. For teams that believe their defense can support him, Suarez represents a relatively clean fit.

Then there’s the upside play. Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai remains one of the most intriguing arms available, offering strikeout potential and projection that could change a rotation’s ceiling. As with any international signing, teams will weigh transition risk, workload concerns, and adaptation time, but interest is genuine, especially as alternatives continue to disappear.

Kelly’s deal doesn’t end the pitching market, but it nudges it forward. The dependable options are thinning, and teams that miss on the remaining top arms may soon find themselves pivoting to trades or shorter-term depth plays.

In that sense, Arizona’s move wasn’t just about continuity. It was a reminder that patience has limits — and that the starting pitching board is getting smaller by the day.