PHOENIX – When the 2026 MLB season kicks off, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be handing the ball to Merrill Kelly on Opening Day, as Kelly has been named the starting pitcher per MLB writer Steve Gilbert.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Merrill Kelly gets the Opening Day nod for the D-backs:

With Corbin Burnes sidelined following Tommy John surgery and unable to be available before Opening Day, Arizona needed certainty. While Zac Gallen remains talented, 2024 revealed struggles and stretches where his command wavered at the worst moments. Kelly, meanwhile, was surgical. Kelly was traded midseason to the Texas Rangers, and in 2025, he carried a 3.52 ERA with a 12-9 record. His splitter generated strikeouts against some of the best hitters in the league. This wasn’t smoke and mirrors. It was a repeatable command layered over veteran sequencing.

Sep 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Fans in Phoenix wanted both arms back. They got them. But the Opening Day nod tells you what the organization sees right now: Kelly’s stuff is sharper. His floor is higher. His emotional steadiness sets the tone in a division that punishes hesitation. There’s psychological gravity to this decision. Gallen now pitches from a prove-it posture on a one-year deal. Burnes, when healthy, adds October-level upside. But Kelly will be the No. 1 pitcher in the rotation when the season begins.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (back) and pitching coach Brian Kaplan watch pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throw during spring training workouts on Feb. 10, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For a club balancing long-term payroll planning with immediate NL West contention, this is the right risk allocation. Kelly gives Arizona competitive oxygen while others recalibrate. Opening Day isn’t about just reputation; it’s about reliability, and Kelly gives the Diamondbacks both.

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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen

PHOENIX — More Arizona Diamondbacks representation will be present at this year’s World Baseball Classic, as the club’s newest first-base addition suits up for Team Dominican Republic.

Aug 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) tosses the ball to first base in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Carlos Santana will represent his home country in the tournament, giving Arizona an early look at how the first baseman performs under postseason-style intensity before the regular season begins.

Santana has previously represented the Dominican Republic, winning the World Baseball Classic in 2013 while playing catcher. After not participating in the 2023 edition, he now looks to bring his veteran presence back to the roster once again.

However, his case is unique compared to others around the league.

Mar 19, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dominican Republic pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) and catcher Carlos Santana (41) celebrate after defeating Puerto Rico to win the World Baseball Classic championship at AT&T Park. Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Rosenthal reports that clubs typically don’t insure players who choose to play in the Classic after they turn 37. Santana will turn 40 in April, which means he will not have insurance coverage if he were to be injured during tournament play. Several players have expressed frustration over the situation, most notably Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who reportedly will not be allowed to play for Team Venezuela due to age and insurance restrictions.

Allowing Santana to play uninsured is a risk the Diamondbacks have been willing to take.

March 18, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dominican Republic catcher Carlos Santana (41) reacts during the first inning of the World Baseball Classic semifinal against Netherlands at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona will have two additional representatives on Team Dominican Republic, with star infielders Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo also set to participate. Santana’s presence now allows the three Diamondbacks teammates to build familiarity before the regular season. With Marte and Perdomo already missing Spring Training games to report for the WBC, Santana would have had limited time before Opening Day to develop chemistry with his new teammates. Competing together on the international stage provides that opportunity.

While the tournament centers on identity, culture and national pride, the Diamondbacks hope the energy built during it extends into the MLB regular season.

The World Baseball Classic begins March 4, with the finals scheduled for March 17.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde