The Athletic's Patrick Mooney writes that Chicago Cubs right-hander Brad Keller will likely be added to the big-league roster at some point because he has an opt-out clause in his contract, and the Cubs wouldn't want to see him get taken by another team at the end of spring training. Keller has shown a velocity jump due to mechanical improvements and has opened eyes in the Cactus League, according to sources. If he's in the big leagues with the Cubs in 2025, Keller will earn a $1.5 million salary. In his seven innings in spring training action, the 29-year-old has allowed four runs while striking out six and walking one. Despite the fact that Keller is looking better this spring, he's still unlikely to be on the fantasy radar and could be ticketed for a long-relief role out of Chicago's bullpen in 2025. In seven big-league seasons, he's had a 4.34 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, two saves and a weak 17.1% strikeout rate.

According to Jacob Zanolla of Cubs Insider, the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Brad Keller to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Keller spent the 2024 season with the White and Red Sox. Across 41 1/3 innings of work, the 29-year-old posted a 5.44 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP. He struck out 32 batters with a solid 7.8% walk rate. He also generated ground balls at a strong 49.7% rate, which was above the average marks. Across 68 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Keller posted a 3.28 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. After posting a career-best 2.47 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP during the 2020 shortened season, Keller has had trouble finding consistency at the major league level. Fantasy managers should expect Keller to compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training.

The Boston Red Sox selected the contract of right-hander Brad Keller from Triple-A Worcester on Monday and designated pitcher Joely Rodriguez for assignment in a corresponding move. The Red Sox recently re-signed Keller to a minor-league deal after he previously rejected an assignment to Triple-A. The 29-year-old now finds himself back in the big leagues late in the 2024 season, where he'll likely serve in a low-leverage bullpen role for the BoSox. Keller began the year pitching for the Chicago White Sox before joining Boston. In his 10 relief appearances (20 2/3 innings) for the Red Sox in 2024, he hasn't been very good, allowing 13 earned runs on 24 hits (three home runs) while striking out 17 and walking seven. Fantasy managers in all formats can continue to avoid him.

The Boston Red Sox re-signed right-hander Brad Keller to a minor-league deal on Tuesday after refusing his option to Triple-A Worcester, according to a source. Keller will now report to Worcester as minor-league pitching depth. In 20 2/3 relief innings for the BoSox this year, Keller has allowed 13 earned runs on 24 hits (three homers) while walking seven and striking out 17. In 15 total appearances (two starts) with Boston and the Chicago White Sox in 2024, he's sporting a 5.30 ERA (5.48 FIP), a 1.45 WHIP, one save and a 30:13 K:BB in 37 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old former eighth-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013 just hasn't been good of late and is nowhere near the fantasy radar. Keller has a career 4.32 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with a weak 17.2% strikeout rate and 10.1% walk rate in seven big-league seasons.

Free Agent starting pitcher Brad Keller was signed by the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, May 26. Zack Kelly was optioned to Triple-A Worcester in the corresponding move. Keller opened the season with the Chicago White Sox primarily in a long relief role but did make two starts. Through his two starts, he posted a hefty 8.32 ERA and 1.73 WHIP. As a reliever, he looked much better as he tossed eight innings to the tune of a 1.13 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. The 28-year-old should be expected to be in a similar role in Boston, as the Red Sox rotation currently has five designated starters. Keller could be worth adding if he makes spot starts during the summer in AL-only formats in the right matchup but should usually be left on all waiver wires as his projected role will not provide him much fantasy value.

Chicago White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said that right-hander Brad Keller will take right-hander Michael Soroka's starting rotation spot moving forward. Keller will move into the back end of Chicago's starting rotation while Soroka moves to a long-relief role out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old Keller has appeared in four games (one start) for Chicago this year and has looked good, posting a 2.84 ERA (3.93 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with five walks and nine strikeouts in just 12 2/3 innings pitched. In his lone start of 2024 on May 3, Keller got over 100 pitches and has gone at least three innings in both of his relief outings since, so he's pretty well stretched out. Desperate deep-league streamers will probably want to avoid Keller in his second start of the year, which lines up for this Saturday against the New York Yankees.

The Chicago White Sox have signed right-hander Brad Keller to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league spring training. Keller has spent the first six seasons of his career with the Kansas City Royals and had his 2023 season shortened due to a shoulder injury. He posted a 4.57 ERA in 11 outings (nine starts) last season and walked an eye-popping 21.3% of the batters he faced on the season. Keller is a ground-ball pitcher who sports a 51.7% ground-ball rate for his career as his strikeout rate sits at just 17.2%. In 150 MLB appearances (114 starts), Keller sports a 4.27 ERA but only a 6.9% K-BB% in that time. He could battle for the fifth spot in the White Sox rotation or serve as a long reliever in 2024.

Kansas City Royals right-handed hurler Brad Keller (shoulder) is expected to throw a simulated game on Friday, according to MLB.com. If that goes well, the team wants him to get into game action in the Arizona Complex League next week. Keller has been out of action since the middle of May after experiencing a velocity dip due to right shoulder impingement before feeling shoulder soreness in July. Prior to going down, the 28-year-old posted a 4.36 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, and 15.4% strikeout rate over 43 1/3 innings. There's no need to stash Keller in any format considering his skill set.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (shoulder) will remain on the injured list after his shoulder discomfort returned. The right-hander had recently been on a rehab stint, although he's taken a beating of late. He'll now undergo further testing, so it's anyone's guess if he'll return this season. Keller was 3-4 with a 4.36 ERA in nine starts this season before landing on the shelf.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Brad Keller (shoulder) allowed six earned runs on four hits while walking three and striking out none in just one-third of an inning in his latest minor-league rehab appearance for Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. Keller began his rehab assignment on June 28 with Omaha and has surrendered 16 runs (14 earned) on 10 hits while walking a whopping 17 batters and fanning four in six innings of work. The 27-year-old made nine starts for Kansas City earlier this year before dealing with a right-shoulder impingement, but he'll need to get his command under control in the minors before the Royals even think about returning him to their starting rotation. He has worked in relief in four of his six rehab outings and could eventually join KC's bullpen in the second half.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Brad Keller (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on June 15 as he works his way back from right shoulder impingement syndrome. The Royals are expected to decide upon his next steps upon the conclusion of the BP session on Thursday. Keller is progressing toward a rehab assignment and could be back with the team by the end of June. Keller has a 3-4 record, 4.36 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings of work this season.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday. The 27-year-old is 3-4 with a 4.36 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 43 1/3 inning this season. Unfortunately, he landed on the 15-day injured list nearly a week ago because of right shoulder impingement syndrome. However, it appears Keller is moving in the right direction, although he remains without a definitive return date.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday, retroactive to May 16. The 27-year-old has started nine games this season, compiling a 3-4 record with a 4.36 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings. However, he's dealing with a case of right shoulder impingement syndrome, so nobody knows for sure how long he'll be out. The team hasn't announced who will replace Keller in the rotation and may play it by ear moving ahead.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Brad Keller has unveiled a new-look curveball in spring training this year as he looks to win a spot in the starting rotation. Keller's 5.24 ERA in the previous two seasons was the seventh-highest among pitchers who threw 200-plus innings in that time. KC moved Keller to the bullpen last year, but they still view him as a bounce-back candidate in the rotation in 2023. The addition of a curve was designed to give him speed differential between a mid-90s fastball, a 92-mph sinker and an 87-mph slider. He also sometimes throws a 90-mph changeup. Keller also added sweeping action to his slider to have two different movements on his breaking pitches. Over time, the 27-year-old is hoping his curve develops into more of a swing-and-miss pitch.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Brad Keller was tasked with the ninth inning on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins, keeping them scoreless while striking out two to record his first career save in the 4-1 game. Keller, a starter most of his career, was moved to the bullpen in August after struggling in the rotation. The 27-year-old owns a 5.08 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 98 punchouts across 136.1 innings. He hasn't faired well out of the pen either, posting a 6.43 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 10 outings. Fantasy managers should pay almost no attention to the save, as Scott Barlow had the day off, and Keller is likely far down the closer depth chart.

The Kansas City Royals placed starting pitcher Brad Keller (lat) on the 10-day injured list due to a right lat strain on Friday. Keller was removed from his last start on Thursday in the fifth inning and he was initially diagnosed with posterior right shoulder discomfort. Early indications suggest that he could miss multiple weeks. Royals manager Mike Matheny told the press, "There are still tests to be run, but right now, I'm not excited about this being a post-shoulder issue." We should have a better idea of his estimated timeline soon. Relief pitcher Josh Staumont was activated from the injured list to fill Keller's roster spot.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (shoulder) was lifted in the fifth inning of Thursday's game against the Seattle Mariners. After surrendering a home run to Kyle Seager in the fifth inning, he began favoring his right arm and he was visited by the team's trainer. He was diagnosed with posterior right shoulder discomfort. After the game, Royals manager Mike Matheny stated that the Royals would have to carefully monitor the injury. He will be evaluated again on Friday. Keller had delivered two consecutive quality starts before Thursday's outing. His final line on Thursday was 4 1/3 innings, five hits, four walks, two earned runs and three strikeouts.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller had a decent outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, but it wasn't enough for the team as the Cardinals went on to win the game 9-4. Keller pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed seven hits, two walks and four runs (three earned) while striking out eight batters, just one shy of his season-high. Keller earned the loss, dropping his record to 7-12 on the year. Keller had a strong month of July, posting a 2.28 ERA over four starts, but August hasn't been as kind to him as he now has a 6.75 ERA over three starts this month. He can be left on the waiver wire in all fantasy leagues, but he's a potential streaming option in the right matchups. His next matchup will be a favorable one against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller struggled in the team's 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. Keller pitched five innings and allowed seven hits, five walks and five earned runs while striking out five. The five walks matched a season-high for Keller. He earned the loss on Saturday to drop his record to 7-11 on the year. Keller had a productive month of July, pitching to a 2.28 ERA over four starts. August hasn't been as kind to him so far. He allowed three earned runs over three innings in his previous start before this one. He'll look to get back on track in his next trip to the mound on Friday, facing the Cardinals yet again.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (back) is on target to make his next start on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Keller was removed from his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday after experiencing lower back tightness. The team initially called his removal precautionary and that call seems validated as Keller won't be forced to miss his next turn in the rotation. Keller had quietly been on a nice run before struggling in Sunday's outing. He recorded quality starts in each of his four outings in July, posting a 2.28 ERA over 27.2 innings. He's a potential streaming option for a favorable matchup against St. Louis in Saturday.