Merrill Kelly enters free agency in a familiar role: the steady veteran starter teams trust when the innings get heavy and the season gets long.His 2025 year was split between Arizona and Texas, but the story didn’t really change. He showed up, took the ball, worked deep enough into games and gave both clubs the kind of competitive outings managers don’t have to overthink.Even at 37, Kelly still looks like the type of pitcher contenders value: calm tempo, a deep mix that keeps hitters guessing and the ability to avoid the big inning more often than not.For teams that need reliability without overspending, Kelly represents one of the cleanest fits in this winter’s pitching market. And three teams, in particular, line up well with what he brings.#1. New York YankeesIf the Yankees want reliability behind Gerrit Cole and Marcus Stroman then Kelly is the cleanest match.New York’s biggest issue in 2025 was the constant shuffling of their rotation, and Kelly’s ability to deliver 5-6 stable innings every turn would immediately calm their pitching structure.His mix of command, sequencing and poise plays well in the Bronx, especially with an improved defense behind him.The Yankees also prefer short-term veteran additions that don’t disrupt long-term payroll and Kelly fits that pattern exactly.#2. San Diego PadresPetco Park rewards pitchers who work edges, mix speeds and stay away from barrels, a perfect description of Kelly’s game.San Diego needs dependable innings behind its top arms and Kelly provides that without requiring a multi-year deal.The Padres value pitchers who can turn lineups over through pitch design and smart sequencing and Kelly’s changeup-heavy approach blends well with their coaching staff’s emphasis on detail.He wouldn’t be brought in to overpower hitters, just to execute and give them clean bridges to the bullpen.#3. Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee remains one of the league’s best landing spots for contact-oriented pitchers. Strong infield defense, a smart pitching infrastructure and a ballpark that doesn’t punish every mistake make the Brewers a natural match for Kelly.They need a veteran who can absorb innings and give their young starters breathing room and Kelly fits that without demanding a long commitment.His even demeanor and predictable workload match the Brewers’ preference for rotation steadiness over flash.If Milwaukee wants to stay competitive without overspending on the top end of the market, Kelly profiles as exactly the kind of signing that extends their pitching depth.