So far this offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies have had an intriguing experience. The $10 million signing of Adolis Garcia was criticized, and their $155 million deal with Kyle Schwarber is excessive for a designated hitter alone.
However, their subsequent action received considerably more appreciation but less publicity. The Phillies made an intriguing deal when they signed reliever Brad Keller to a $22 million, two-year contract that filled their need for a right-handed setup man.
According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, Keller’s signing is excellent. Schoenfield graded the Phillies a “A-” for this $22 million acquisition of Brad Keller.
Phillies receive strong praise from ESPN on Brad Keller $22 million deal
“This could end up being one of the sneaky best signings of the offseason,” writes Schoenfield.
An intriguing addition is Keller, a former starter who had some difficulties with the Kansas City Royals before becoming one of the top right-handed relievers in the league in 2025.
Keller was one of the more intriguing alternatives this winter due to his fastball picking up a few miles per hour, his 2.07 ERA from the previous season, his batting average of.171, and his overall strong campaign.
He was seen as a reliever by some and as a starter by others. Keller will probably be used by the Phillies as Jhoan Duran’s set-up man, but they also have the option to start him when Zack Wheeler returns from injury at the start of the season.
However, Schoenfield had nothing but admiration for this deal between the Phillies and Keller, regardless of whether he is a starting pitcher or a bullpen arm.
“At two years and $22 million, this would be a bargain if Keller replicates what Holmes did for the Mets — 3.53 ERA, 1.9 WAR.” Schoenfield is a writer. “And as a fallback, the Phillies have a high-leverage reliever.”
It would be a huge steal if the Phillies were to sign Keller to a $11 million annual contract in exchange for a competent starter. However, if he duplicates his 2025 season, it would still be a steal even if he serves as Duran’s set-up man in 2026 and 2027.
However, Schoenfield had nothing but admiration for this deal between the Phillies and Keller, regardless of whether he is a starting pitcher or a bullpen arm.
“At two years and $22 million, this would be a bargain if Keller replicates what Holmes did for the Mets — 3.53 ERA, 1.9 WAR.” Schoenfield is a writer. “And as a fallback, the Phillies have a high-leverage reliever.”
It would be a huge steal if the Phillies were to sign Keller to a $11 million annual contract in exchange for a competent starter. However, if he duplicates his 2025 season, it would still be a steal even if he serves as Duran’s set-up man in 2026 and 2027.
