The Chicago White Sox have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Brad Keller to a minor league contract, along with an invitation to join the team’s major league Spring Training camp in Glendale, Arizona. Keller, aged 28, previously played for the Kansas City Royals for six seasons after being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft.
Keller had a remarkable rookie season in 2018, boasting a 9-6 record with a 3.08 ERA and 4.2 WAR over 140.1 innings. However, his performance dipped in subsequent years, with his ERA rising to 4.19 in 2021 before dropping to 2.47 during the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19. Despite these fluctuations, Keller maintained a 3.50 ERA, 1.285 WHIP, and 9.0 WAR up to that point in his career.
In the following years, Keller’s production declined further, with his ERA increasing to 5.14 from 2021 to 2023, accompanied by a 1.629 WHIP and 0.2 WAR. Shoulder injuries limited his playing time in 2023, restricting him to just 45.1 innings pitched. After landing on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder impingement syndrome in May, Keller faced challenges with rehab, culminating in another setback when he was sidelined with thoracic outlet syndrome after two games upon his return from the 60-day injured list in September.
Despite his recent struggles, Keller secured lucrative deals during his arbitration years, earning $13.95 million over four seasons, with a salary of $5.775 million in 2023. However, his contract with Chicago does not guarantee a spot in the big league pitching staff.
As Keller prepares to join the White Sox in Spring Training camp, uncertainties remain regarding his role, whether he will make the Opening Day roster, and whether he will be utilized as a starter or reliever.
