The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly made a significant move to bolster their bullpen, reaching an agreement with free-agent right-handed pitcher Brad Keller on a two-year contract. The deal, which is pending a physical, is expected to be worth $22 million, according to a report by MLB.com.
From Starter to Elite Reliever
Brad Keller, now 30 years old, is coming off a spectacular season with the Chicago Cubs that marked a dramatic career resurgence. After years as a starting pitcher, primarily with the Kansas City Royals, Keller transformed into one of the National League's most dominant relief arms in 2025.
His statistics from last season were exceptional:
- 2.07 ERA across 69.2 innings pitched.
- 0.96 WHIP, a career-best mark.
- Struck out 75 batters while limiting opponents to a .182 batting average.
- Made 68 appearances, with only one as a starter.
These numbers placed him among the league's elite. His opponents' batting average ranked fifth-best among NL relievers with at least 60 innings, and his ERA was seventh-best in the same group.
A Career Transformed by Surgery and Reinvention
Keller's journey to this point was not straightforward. His career trajectory changed after he underwent Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery in October 2023. The recovery was difficult, leading to short and unsuccessful stints with the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox in 2024, where he posted a 5.44 ERA.
However, fully healthy by 2025, he reinvented himself with the Cubs. Utilizing a five-pitch mix that included a 97 mph fastball, he became nearly unhittable. His performance in the second half of the season was particularly stunning: from July 18 through the end of the regular season, Keller allowed just one run in 28 appearances, compiling a microscopic 0.33 ERA and holding hitters to a .089 average.
Phillies' Strategic Bullpen Addition
The Philadelphia Phillies' plan is clear: they intend to capitalize on Keller's newfound dominance as a reliever rather than trying to stretch him back into a starting role. This strategic signing aims to add a powerful, late-inning arm to their pitching staff as they build a team capable of contending for a championship.
Keller's ability to generate weak contact and miss bats, evidenced by his elite chase and hard-hit rates, makes him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations. For the Phillies, this $22 million investment is a bet that his 2025 season was a sign of things to come, not a one-year wonder, solidifying their bullpen for the challenges ahead.
