The Philadelphia Phillies are starting to get really active during MLB’s hot stove season. After retaining star slugger Kyle Schwarber on a $150 million deal, Philadelphia went out and signed outfielder Adolis Garcia to a one-year, $10 million deal to sure up the outfield a little bit.
Other free agent decisions the Phillies are faced with include J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suarez, and Harrison Bader. After losing Jordan Romano just a few days ago, it was reported on Wednesday by multiple sources that the Phillies are signing free agent reliever Brad Keller to a two-year contract worth $22 million.
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Phillies to Sign Brad Keller
The Philadelphia Phillies must have felt some pressure from their other NL East foes (Braves, Mets) after both division rivals made big additions to their bullpen. The Mets, in an identical contractual move, signed Luke Weaver to a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday as well. And Atlanta signed Robert Suarez just last week to a $45 million deal.
The free agent relievers across MLB have been uber eager to sign contracts with various teams, and in most cases, a different team from the one they just pitched with.
Brad Keller spent 2025 with the Chicago Cubs. Known as somewhat of a journeyman arm across baseball, Keller put it all together this past season. He posted a career-low 2.07 ERA over 69.2 innings. This comes one year after posting a 5.44 ERA over 41 innings in 2024.
GettyBrad Keller
This deal is very interesting because there were reports, as Keller’s free agency was taking place, that he may be transitioned into a starting role. Keller has made 117 starts in his career. The Phillies will mark the fifth MLB organization he’s been a part of. 2026 will be Keller’s ninth season in MLB.
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How Does Brad Keller Fit with Philadelphia?
Brad Keller recorded three of his five career saves with the Cubs last season, as they used him primarily in a long-relief role for the start of the season, but he was transitioned into a more leverage option in August and September.
However, he will likely slot into the setup role in Philadelphia and try his best to hold things down for Jhoam Duran, who is the team’s closer. Keller will join an already solid Phillies bullpen with the likes of Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering, and Tanner Banks.
Philadelphia still has a big decision to make with free agent starter Ranger Suarez, but this move at least helps the pitching staff with depth if the Phillies are unable to retain Suarez.
It will also be interesting to see what else the Phillies have in store for this offseason.
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Phillies Ink 2.07 ERA Reliever to $22 Million Deal