The Philadelphia Phillies are becoming increasingly aggressive as MLB’s hot stove season heats up. After locking up power-hitting star Kyle Schwarber on a $150 million contract, Philadelphia followed up by signing outfielder Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million deal to add some stability to the outfield.
The Phillies are still weighing several other key free-agent decisions, including the futures of J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, and Harrison Bader. After losing reliever Jordan Romano earlier this week, multiple reports on Wednesday indicated that Philadelphia has agreed to terms with free-agent right-hander Brad Keller on a two-year, $22 million contract.
Phillies Agree to Terms with Brad Keller
Philadelphia may have felt added urgency after seeing their NL East rivals make significant bullpen upgrades. The New York Mets matched the Phillies’ reported deal by signing Luke Weaver to a two-year, $22 million contract on Wednesday, while the Atlanta Braves added Robert Suárez last week on a $45 million deal.
Relief pitchers around the league have been quick to find new homes this offseason, often signing with clubs other than the ones they pitched for previously.
Keller spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs and delivered the best performance of his career. The veteran right-hander posted a career-low 2.07 ERA across 69.2 innings, a sharp turnaround from the 5.44 ERA he recorded over 41 innings in 2024. Long viewed as a journeyman, Keller appeared to put everything together last season.
The contract is particularly intriguing given reports during Keller’s free agency that some teams viewed him as a potential starting pitcher. He has made 117 starts over his career, and the Phillies will become his fifth MLB organization. The 2026 season will mark his ninth year in the majors.
How Keller Fits in Philadelphia
Keller picked up three of his five career saves with the Cubs last season. Chicago initially used him in a long-relief role before elevating him into higher-leverage situations late in the year.
With the Phillies, Keller is expected to settle into a setup role, helping bridge the gap to closer Jhoan Duran. He joins an already strong bullpen that includes Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, Orion Kerkering, and Tanner Banks.
While Philadelphia still faces an important decision regarding free-agent starter Ranger Suárez, the addition of Keller adds valuable pitching depth should the club be unable to retain him. With this move completed, attention now turns to what other additions the Phillies may pursue before the offseason concludes.