The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to sign relief pitcher Brad Keller to a two-year, $22 million dollar contract as first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Jesse Rogers of ESPN and Matt Gelb of The Athletic were the first to report the contract details. Keller joins the Phillies high leverage relief group that includes Jhoan Duran, Matt Strahm, José Alvarado and Orion Kerkering. The Phillies have a few bullpen openings with Jordan Romano leaving in free agency and others being free agents. It is somewhat surprising to see the Phillies give a relief pitcher a multi-year contract given the last few years in free agency.
Report: Phillies Sign Brad Keller To Multi-Year Deal
With the Chicago Cubs this season Keller had a 4-2 record with a 2.07 ERA and three saves in 68 outings. To add Keller recorded a 0.96 WHIP with a 3.41 K/BB rate. After being a starter for the first part of his career Keller has moved into a high leverage bullpen role over the last three seasons. Keller had an outstanding 81.6% left-on-base percentage during the 2025 season. The ERA, WHIP and the 2.93 FIP Keller had in 2025 were career bests as well. Opposing batters had a .181 average and a .243 BABIP against Keller in 2025. Furthermore, Keller recorded a career best 27.2% strikeout rate along with a 8.0% walk rate.
Implications Of This Move
There has been speculations that the Phillies could trade one of their major league relief pitchers this offseason. Strahm, Alvarado, Kerkering and Tanner Banks are the most likely to be moved if the Phillies go that route. Keller gives the Phillies extra right-handed bullpen depth. The Phillies are prioritizing having a dominant pitching staff over restructuring their lineup that could desperately use a new look. Keller was one of the most dominant setup relief pitchers in baseball this season and the Phillies reward him in free agency. The Phillies bullpen is turning into a strength for the club.
Main Photo Credits: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
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