The Philadelphia Phillies added Brad Keller to their pitching staff on Wednesday, agreeing to a $22 million, two-year contract with the right-hander, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a successful physical.
Keller is coming off a terrific season with the Chicago Cubs, going 4-2 with a career-low 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances. He struck out 75 in 69 2/3 innings.
The 30-year-old Keller worked out of the bullpen this year, but he also has 117 career starts. Ranger Suárez, a key member of Philadelphia’s rotation this season, is a free agent.
Keller’s guarantee matches the $22 million, two-year deal Luke Weaver struck Wednesday with the New York Mets, also subject to a successful physical.
Philadelphia won the NL East this year for the second straight season. It was eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-game Division Series.
The Phillies answered one major offseason question when they re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a $150 million, five-year contract. Adolis García is expected to play right field for the team after finalizing a $10 million, one-year contract on Tuesday.
Longtime Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto remains a free agent, along with Suárez and outfielder Harrison Bader.
Keller was an eighth-round pick by Arizona in the 2013 amateur draft. He made his major league debut with Kansas City in 2018, going 9-6 with a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances.
Keller is 42-59 with a 4.14 ERA and five saves in 234 career games, also playing for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox.
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