Thu Aug 27, 2020 2:14 pm
SP Brad Keller has signed a 3yr deal with the Cubbies with a salary cap hit of 2 million." This kid has a huge upscale," Manager Pork "CHOPS"Murphy told reporters at FA draft this morning.On December 14, 2017, Keller was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the Rule 5 draft and immediately traded to the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations.
Keller made the 25-man roster for the Royals in 2018, and had his MLB debut on Opening Day, March 29, pitching an inning of scoreless relief against the Chicago White Sox; he struck out the first batter he faced, Adam Engel. He split time between the bullpen and the rotation, leading the team in ERA (3.08) and tied for first on the team in wins (9). He struck out 96 batters in 140 1⁄3 innings. On April 19, 2019 Keller received a 5 game suspension by Major League Baseball, which concluded he intentionally threw a pitch that hit Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox.On July 7, 2020, it was announced that Keller had tested positive for COVID-19. 10 days later he was cleared to return to the Royals’ Summer Camp after producing two negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
"This Kid can pitch," say Murphy,4 Seam FB(95mph), Slider(85mph), 2 Seam FB(93mph), Changeup(88mph) and with Stromen sitting out the 2020 season Keller will step right in the #3 spot in the rotation in 2020.Look for the Cubbies to sign a 1st baseman with Trey Mancinci battling cancer.