Blue Jays Show Interest in Pitcher Brad Keller
The Toronto Blue Jays are actively looking to enhance their pitching rotation this offseason. Reports indicate that they have shown interest in right-handed pitcher Brad Keller, a potential addition to their roster.
Current Rotation and Depth Options
The Blue Jays have already made moves to strengthen their pitching staff by signing Dylan Cease and reportedly reaching an agreement with Cody Ponce. Their current rotation appears promising, featuring:
- Dylan Cease
- Cody Ponce
- Kevin Gausman
- Shane Bieber
- Trey Yesavage
- José Berríos
In addition to these names, pitchers like Eric Lauer, Bowden Francis, and Ricky Tiedemann are also in contention for roles in 2026. However, health concerns and performance factors leave some uncertainty regarding the overall effectiveness of the rotation.
Pitching Concerns
Shane Bieber is currently dealing with forearm fatigue, raising questions about his availability for Opening Day. José Berríos experienced an elbow injury last season and could be at risk of being traded if the situation doesn’t improve. Additionally, Ponce, relatively untested in the MLB, adds another layer of uncertainty.
Brad Keller’s Potential Impact
Keller presents an exciting opportunity for the Blue Jays as he can serve in both starting and relief roles. Before facing struggles, he had a commendable track record with the Kansas City Royals, posting a 3.50 ERA from 2018 to 2020. After some challenging seasons, Keller showed improvement during his time with the Cubs, recording a 2.07 ERA in 2025.
His performance statistics highlight his potential value:
| Period | ERA | Strikeout Rate | Ground Ball Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | 3.50 | 16.8% | 52.1% |
| 2021-2023 | 5.14 | – | – |
| 2025 | 2.07 | 27.2% | 56.1% |
Interest from Other Clubs
Keller has drawn interest from several teams, including the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. The Yankees might utilize him as a starter due to their current injury woes, while the Tigers’ interest could wane following their recent signing of Drew Anderson. Despite this competition, Keller remains a logical target for the Blue Jays.
Financial Considerations
As the Blue Jays navigate their budget for the upcoming season, they have set a payroll projection of $268 million. This figure exceeds their total from the previous year by $10 million. In addition to pursuing Keller, the team is also in search of a closer and additional power hitters.
Ultimately, the decision to sign Brad Keller will depend on the Blue Jays’ strategic priorities as they aim to bolster their pitching lineup while managing their budget after a successful playoff run.
