The Boston Red Sox are adding some intriguing bullpen depth ahead of spring training, reportedly agreeing to a minor league deal with veteran right-hander Kyle Keller. The deal includes an invite to major league camp and could pay Keller $1.9 million if he makes the big league roster, with another $500K available in performance bonuses.
Keller’s name might ring a bell for fans who’ve followed the journeyman reliever’s path through Major League Baseball and beyond. He broke into the majors in 2019 with the Miami Marlins and made a brief stop with the Los Angeles Angels in 2020.
But it was in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Pirates where Keller saw his most extended MLB action, appearing in 32 games and logging 33 1/3 innings. His numbers that season-24 earned runs allowed and 36 strikeouts-paint the picture of a pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff but some command issues to iron out.
After that, Keller took his talents overseas, heading to Japan’s NPB for the past three seasons. And that move might’ve been the best thing for his development.
In 152 1/3 innings in Japan, Keller posted a sharp 2.42 ERA-proof that he found a level of consistency and effectiveness that had eluded him stateside. It's not uncommon for pitchers to refine their game in the NPB, and Keller’s success there suggests he could be more than just a depth piece for Boston.
At 6-foot-4, Keller brings a classic power reliever’s frame and a two-pitch mix that’s straightforward but effective. He leans heavily on a four-seam fastball and a traditional 12-6 curveball.
According to Baseball Savant, his fastball averaged 94.5 mph during his MLB stints-above the league average-and his curve checked in at 81.4 mph, also on the higher end for that pitch type. He used both pitches nearly equally, with a slight preference for the heater.
That fastball-curveball combo might not be flashy in today’s era of sliders and cutters, but when executed well, it can still be a nightmare for hitters. The vertical drop on his curve pairs nicely with the rising action of his four-seamer, creating a classic north-south attack that can keep hitters off balance. And given his improved results in Japan, it’s fair to wonder if he’s found a more refined version of that mix.
Now, with pitchers and catchers set to report to Fort Myers on Feb. 10, Keller will get his shot to show what he can do in a Red Sox uniform.
It’s a low-risk signing for Boston, but one that could pay dividends if Keller’s NPB success translates back to the majors. For a bullpen that could use some depth and upside, this is the kind of move that makes sense-especially with spring training just around the corner.