The Chicago White Sox have added former Kansas City Royals pitcher Brad Keller to their roster, signing him to a minor league deal. Keller, who spent six seasons with the Royals, joins the White Sox after a challenging season marked by injuries. The 28-year-old right-hander will also participate in the team’s major league Spring Training camp in Glendale, Arizona.
Keller’s career took off in 2018, his rookie season, when he recorded a 3.08 ERA and a 4.2 WAR in 140.1 innings. Despite a slight uptick in his ERA in 2021, Keller performed well, achieving a 2.47 ERA in the shortened 2020 season. However, his performance declined over the next few years, with his ERA reaching 5.14 from 2021 to 2023.
Injuries became a significant hurdle for Keller, limiting his playing time. He pitched over 130 innings in both 2021 and 2022 but was restricted to just 45.1 innings in 2023 due to shoulder issues. Despite various attempts at rehab, Keller struggled to return to form.
Keller’s contract with the Royals saw him earn $13.95 million over four seasons, with a salary of $5.775 million in 2023. His deal with the White Sox, however, is far less lucrative, and his role on the team is not guaranteed. It remains uncertain whether Keller will secure a spot in the White Sox’s pitching staff or if he will be utilized as a starter or reliever.
Nevertheless, Keller’s inclusion in the White Sox’s Spring Training camp suggests that he is on track to make a full recovery and compete for a roster spot. His signing adds depth to the White Sox’s pitching options and provides Keller with an opportunity to revive his career after a challenging period with the Royals.
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