The Philadelphia Phillies aren’t easing off the gas this offseason — not even a little.
According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Philadelphia is closing in on a multi-year deal with free-agent reliever Brad Keller, another clear signal that Dave Dombrowski is intent on building a bullpen that won’t flinch in October. The deal, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, is for two years at $22 million.
Keller's 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs was actually his first as a full-time reliever. After beginning his career as a starter and serving largely in a swing-man role from 2022-24, Keller had a breakout campaign in the Cubs' bullpen that saw him finish with a 2.07 ERA over 69 2/3 innings in 2025. He also had a 0.96 WHIP and held opponents to a .182 average, both of which were career bests.
While the Phillies intend to keep Keller in a bullpen role, his lengthy experience as a starter allows for the possibility that he could make some spot starts in the need arises. Ideally, though, he is a candidate to help set up for closer Jhoan Duran.
The Phillies and Brad Keller are in agreement on a 2-year, $22 million contract, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/T8kcwyCH1E
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 17, 2025
Phillies sign Brad Keller to bolster bullpen depth as Dave Dombrowski continues momentum
This signing shows aggression on the part of Dombrowski and the Phillies' front office, as Keller was drawing interest from a number of contenders in free agency, including the New York Yankees and reigning American League champion Toronto Blue Jays.
Keller gives Philadelphia exactly what it’s been prioritizing: power stuff, durability and a track record of handling leverage. Whether he’s asked to bridge the middle innings or take on late-game work, Keller deepens a relief corps that already looks far more complete than it did a year ago. This isn’t a depth signing — it’s a statement that the Phillies want to shorten games and suffocate opponents late.
That appears to be the theme of this offseason. Dombrowski isn’t waiting around for the market to come to him. He’s identifying needs and filling them aggressively, keeping momentum alive after multiple deep postseason runs that ended just short of the ultimate goal. The message is clear: good enough isn’t good enough anymore.
For a fanbase that’s watched the Phillies knock on the door year after year, this is exactly what winning behavior looks like. Another impact bullpen arm. Another decisive move. Another reminder that this front office fully understands the window — and has no intention of wasting it.