Purple Sox right-hander Brad Keller has elected to turn out to be a free agent, studies Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. As a participant with five-plus years of huge league service, Keller should consent to being optioned to the minors. He agreed to be optioned as soon as earlier this season, however when the Purple Sox sought to choice him earlier this week, he as a substitute exercised his proper to turn out to be a free agent and search a brand new alternative.
Keller, 29, was a fixture within the Royals’ rotation from 2018-23. One of many extra profitable Rule 5 picks in latest reminiscence — Kansas Metropolis plucked him out of the D-backs’ group within the 2017 Rule 5 Draft — he loved three sharp seasons as a starter for the Royals earlier than struggling repeatedly from 2021-23, usually as a result of accidents. After logging a 3.50 ERA in 360 1/3 innings for KC from 2018-20, Keller was roughed up for a 5.14 mark within the three subsequent seasons. Issues went means off the rails in 2023, when he walked 45 hitters in 45 1/3 innings earlier than happening the injured record and ultimately present process thoracic outlet surgical procedure.
The White Sox signed Keller to a minor league deal over the winter, and he had a quick run with Chicago earlier than being designated for task and electing free company. The Purple Sox scooped him up in late Might. After a troublesome debut in Baltimore, he settled in to pitch effectively over eight long-relief appearances, however Boston despatched him to the minors in late June (a transfer he accredited). He was recalled on Friday, surrendered three runs in 4 innings towards the Astros on Saturday, and was optioned again to Triple-A Worcester on Monday — this time exercising his proper to turn out to be a free agent.
Total, Keller has pitched 37 1/3 innings between the ChiSox and BoSox this season. He’s logged a discouraging 5.30 ERA in that point, however his season isn’t with out its silver linings. Firstly, the disastrous command points he displayed final season have come again right down to Earth. In truth, Keller has not solely put final yr’s ghastly 21.3% stroll charge behind him — he’s sporting a career-low 7.7% stroll charge in his 37 1/3 frames. His 17.8% strikeout charge is under the league common however is correct in step with the 17.4% mark he posted previous to his TOS-ruined 2023 season. Keller has seen the speed on his four-seamer and sinker tick up barely (although he’s additionally primarily been working in aid, in order that’s not essentially as a result of higher well being), and this yr’s 9.1% swinging-strike charge is the second-best mark of his profession (however nonetheless worse than league-average).
Down in Triple-A, issues have gone higher. He’s pitched an almost similar slate of 38 innings there and has stroll and strikeout charges just like those he’s posted within the majors. Nonetheless, he’s sporting a 4.26 ERA that’s greater than a full run decrease than his MLB ERA, due largely to the truth that he’s been capable of keep away from the lengthy ball in a means he hasn’t on the MLB degree (0.24 HR/9 in Triple-A, 1.93 HR/9 in MLB). In all probability, his dwelling run charge within the majors is due for some optimistic regression, whereas his dwelling run charge within the minors is probably going as a result of swing within the different route.
The veteran Keller might be a worthy flier for a group needing some late-season rotation depth or size within the bullpen. The Twins, Astros, Guardians, Mets, Braves and Padres are among the many postseason hopefuls who’ve incurred accidents or are experiencing notable workload considerations amongst their present crop of beginning pitchers.
