Sources: Phillies, reliever Keller reach 2-year deal
Jesse RogersDec 17, 2025, 12:29 PM ET Close Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com. Free agent reliever Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a two-year, $22 million contract, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Keller, 30, had a resurgent season in 2025, compiling a 2.07 ERA…
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Jesse Rogers
Free agent reliever Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a two-year, $22 million contract, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Keller, 30, had a resurgent season in 2025, compiling a 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances for Chicago after being a spring invitee for the Cubs in February. His career had stalled after posting a 5.44 ERA in a 2024 split between the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. By adding about 4 mph on his fastball, he became the Cubs’ most trusted reliever, leading to his payday with the Phillies.
Keller is an eight-year veteran. His early years were spent mostly as a starter with the Kansas City Royals. He began transitioning to the bullpen more recently, eventually finding his groove with the Cubs.
He has a career 4.14 ERA in 234 games which includes five saves — three of which came last season. He also closed out games for the Cubs in the postseason where he had a 1.59 ERA in five appearances. He’ll likely be used in the back end of games for the Phillies as well, setting up closer Jhoan Duran.
Keller will get $4 million in a signing bonus, sources said.
FanSided was first to report an agreement was close. The deal is pending a physical.
