Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brad Keller (baseball)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

How Brad Keller (baseball) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brad Keller is a professional baseball pitcher who made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2018 with the Kansas City Royals. Selected in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft from the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Keller quickly transitioned into a reliable starter for the Royals, serving as a staple in their rotation for several seasons. Known for his sinker-heavy repertoire, he has logged significant innings and demonstrated durability throughout his career. After spending his early years in Kansas City, Keller has continued his professional journey with other organizations, including the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox. As a right-handed pitcher, he remains a journeyman competitor recognized for his ability to induce ground balls and provide length to a pitching staff.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: MLB Draft Selection and Signing

In 2013, Brad Keller was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the MLB draft and opted to sign with the professional team instead of honoring his commitment to play college baseball at Presbyterian College.

2014: Professional Pitching Season with Multiple Teams

During the 2014 season, Brad Keller pitched for the Arizona League Diamondbacks, Missoula Osprey, and Hillsboro Hops, finishing the year with a 6–4 record and a 4.31 ERA across 15 games.

2015: Pitching Campaign with Kane County Cougars

In 2015, Brad Keller served as a pitcher for the Kane County Cougars, where he played in 26 games and achieved an 8–9 record with a 2.60 ERA.

2016: Pitching Campaign with Visalia Rawhide

Throughout the 2016 season, Brad Keller competed for the Visalia Rawhide, recording 24 starts and finishing the year with a 9–7 record and a 4.47 ERA.

December 14, 2017: Rule 5 Draft Selection and Trade

On December 14, 2017, Brad Keller was selected by the Cincinnati Reds during the Rule 5 draft and was promptly traded to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash considerations.

2017: Pitching Campaign with Jackson Generals

During the 2017 season, Brad Keller pitched for the Jackson Generals, where he made 26 starts and posted a record of 10–9 with a 4.68 ERA.

2018: MLB Debut with the Kansas City Royals

In 2018, Brad Keller officially began his professional career in Major League Baseball by making his debut appearance for the Kansas City Royals.

2018: MLB Debut and 2018 Season Performance

In 2018, Brad Keller secured a spot on the Kansas City Royals' 25-man roster. He made his MLB debut on Opening Day, March 29, 2018, by pitching a scoreless inning and striking out his first batter, Adam Engel. Throughout the 2018 season, he served in both the bullpen and the starting rotation, finishing the year as the team leader in ERA (3.08) and tied for the team lead in wins with nine, while recording 96 strikeouts over 140.3 innings.

April 19, 2019: Suspension Following Hit-by-Pitch

On April 19, 2019, Brad Keller was handed a five-game suspension by Major League Baseball. The disciplinary action was taken after Keller intentionally threw a pitch that struck Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox during a game.

2021: 2021 Season Performance

Throughout the 2021 season, Brad Keller started 26 games for the Kansas City Royals, finishing the year with an 8–12 record, a 5.39 ERA, and 120 strikeouts over 133 and 2/3 innings pitched.

August 18, 2022: Relocation to the Bullpen

On August 18, 2022, following a period of performance struggles at the start of the season, Brad Keller was transitioned from the starting rotation to the bullpen.

May 19, 2023: Placement on the Injured List

On May 19, 2023, Brad Keller was placed on the injured list following nine pitching starts due to a diagnosis of right shoulder impingement syndrome.

March 8, 2024: Signing with the Chicago White Sox

On March 8, 2024, Brad Keller officially signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.

May 26, 2024: Signing with the Boston Red Sox

On May 26, 2024, baseball player Brad Keller officially signed a major-league contract to join the Boston Red Sox organization.

January 29, 2025: Brad Keller signs minor league contract with Chicago Cubs

On January 29, 2025, professional baseball player Brad Keller officially signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.

December 18, 2025: Signing with the Philadelphia Phillies

On December 18, 2025, Brad Keller finalized a two-year contract worth $22 million with the Philadelphia Phillies, an agreement that featured an additional $4 million signing bonus.