The Philadelphia Phillies are making significant moves this offseason, highlighted by the re-signing of outfielder Kyle Schwarber to an impressive five-year, $150 million deal, along with the acquisition of Adolis Garcia on a one-year contract valued at $10 million. These decisions are aimed at enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities as they set their sights on a World Series title in 2026.
In addition to bolstering their lineup, the Phillies are also focused on improving their bullpen, which has been identified as an area requiring enhancement. According to reports from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the team is finalizing a two-year, $22 million contract with relief pitcher Brad Keller, formerly of the Chicago Cubs. This move is expected to further solidify the Phillies’ pitching staff as they aim for a championship run.
Keller, a 30-year-old reliever with a past as a starter for the Kansas City Royals, had a mixed performance prior to joining the Cubs. Between 2021 and 2023, he recorded a 5.14 ERA over 72 games, including 57 starts. However, it was during the 2025 season with the Cubs that Keller truly excelled as a reliever, achieving a remarkable 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances. During this breakout year, he struck out 75 batters over 69.2 innings while maintaining an impressive 0.962 WHIP.
The jump in Keller’s fastball velocity from 2024 to 2025, increasing by four miles per hour, clearly contributed to his success and earned him a lucrative contract with the Phillies. This investment demonstrates the team’s commitment to building a formidable bullpen alongside Jhoan Duran, who is expected to serve as the closer.
As Philadelphia continues to make strategic roster adjustments, the prospect of a new-look bullpen, featuring Keller as a setup option, holds promise for becoming one of the strongest in Major League Baseball. The Phillies’ leadership, particularly under Dave Dombrowski, indicates that they are not done with offseason moves, signaling an ambitious approach as they strive for championship glory.