In a move that addressed a glaring weakness, the Philadelphia Phillies announced a two‑year, $22 million contract with right‑hander Brad Keller on Wednesday.
The Middle‑Relief Gap
From innings six through eight during the 2025 regular season, the Phillies’ bullpen posted a 4.50 ERA— the fourth‑highest figure in the National League. That statistic underscored the urgency of bolstering the middle‑relief corps.
Keller’s Journey
Keller, 30, began his Major League career in 2018 as a starter with the Kansas City Royals. In his first three seasons, he posted a steady 3.50 ERA across 360 1/3 innings. The following four years (2021‑24) saw a decline: a 5.18 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP over 88 appearances, 57 of which were starts.
In January 2025, Keller signed a minor‑league deal with the Chicago Cubs. He made the Opening Day roster and quickly became one of manager Craig Counsell’s most reliable arms. That season, he was outstanding: a 2.07 ERA over 69 2/3 innings, 75 strikeouts, and 22 walks.
Keller also excelled in the postseason, logging five appearances with a 1.59 ERA and earning two saves.
The Pitch‑Mix Breakout
Keller’s resurgence was largely due to refinements in his five‑pitch arsenal. He relies heavily on a sweeper‑sinker‑changeup combination, throwing the trio more than 40 percent of the time. Opponents hit under .190 against each of those pitches, and his sweeper was a true weapon—batters hit just .067 with a .133 slugging percentage.
Statistical metrics back the improvement. Keller ranks in the 86th percentile or higher in seven Baseball Savant categories, highlighted by a 30.6 percent hard‑hit rate that places him in the league’s top two percent.
Fit for the Phillies
The Phillies see Keller’s recent performance as a real, sustainable upgrade, especially given his effectiveness against right‑handed hitters who posted a .466 OPS against him. Whether Keller settles in as a primary middle‑relief option—he recorded a 1.59 ERA in seven sixth‑inning appearances—or slides into a higher‑leverage role behind Jhoan Duran in the eighth (six earned runs allowed across 38 outings), he fits cleanly into Philadelphia’s bullpen plans.
With starting experience, swing‑and‑miss stuff, and recent success in leverage spots, Keller profiles as a strong, under‑the‑radar addition.
Sources and Coverage
The signing was first reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic and later covered by Robert Murray of FanSided. Philadelphia’s coverage continues through NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways
- The Phillies’ middle‑relief ERA was 4.50 in innings six‑eight, prompting a strategic acquisition.
- Brad Keller’s 2025 performance: 2.07 ERA, 75 K, 22 BB over 69 2/3 innings; postseason 1.59 ERA.
- Keller’s pitch mix—sweeper‑sinker‑changeup—has been refined, yielding low opponent batting averages.
The Phillies’ two‑year, $22 million deal with Keller signals a focused effort to solidify the bullpen and address a critical area of need for the 2025 season.
