Late Wednesday morning, news broke that the Philadelphia Phillies were finalizing a deal with free agent reliever Brad Keller. Robert Murray of Fansided was first on the report.
Keller is a right-handed pitcher who played for the Chicago Cubs last year. The now 30-year-old had a career year in his second season of primarily coming out of the bullpen. In 69.2 IP, Keller logged a minuscule 2.07 ERA. He also struck out batters at a career-high rate: 9.7 K/9. His next highest career strikeout rate was 8.1 K/9 back in 2021.
In 2025, Keller's fastball velocity jumped from 93.7 MPH to a blazing 97.1 MPH. His adjustments made him a weapon out of the bullpen for the Cubs.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that the 2-year deal will be worth $22 million. Keller will most likely slot in as the Phillies #2 RHP in the bullpen over Orion Kerkering. The signing will help deepen the backend of the bullpen and solidify the Phillies' pitching staff.
The veteran represents an upgrade over the departing David Robertson. After signing with the Phillies midseason, Robertson posted a 4.08 ERA in 17.2 IP. If Keller can repeat his 2025 season, he could become the right-handed bridge to Johan Duran that the Phillies needed.
This is the first multi-year free agent contract the Phillies have signed (that wasn't their own free agent) since Taijuan Walker in December of 2022.
With Kyle Schwarber re-signed, Adlois Garcia aiding the outfield and Keller solidifying the bullpen, the Phillies have one major task left this offseason. They still must address the catching situation. Most still expect the Phillies to figure out a reunion with free agent J.T Realmuto. If the Phillies cannot come to terms with him, they'll be left with Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs without any help in the minor leagues behind them.
