Free agent on the comeback trail gives Yankees another swingman option
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Follow UsNew York — The Yankees enter 2026 with a pitching shortage that could stretch well into May. The rotation faces major gaps, and the bullpen needs added stability. A comeback pitcher may be the answer.
A 30-year-old right-hander revived his career in 2025 and produced numbers that drew attention across the league. After years of injuries and inconsistency, he became one of the National League’s most dependable relievers. He is now a free agent and open to both rotation and bullpen roles. His public comments suggest he is ready for whatever a team like the Yankees needs most.
One pitcher’s willingness creates perfect timing
The pitcher spoke on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM earlier this week. He made his position clear. He will not restrict himself to one job.
“Whatever innings they ask me to do, that’s what I’m willing to do,” the pitcher said to the hosts of Hot Stove on November 17, 2025. “As far as starting/relieving, I think I’m willing to do both. I’ve been a starter my whole career. I love starting, all that fun stuff. But this year, I had a ton of fun coming out of the bullpen. And I loved what I did this year, being able to close out games and being able to pitch middle innings, leverage innings.”
“It was just a lot of fun. I’m game to do both.”
These comments match the Yankees’ situation. The front office is dealing with a rotation hit by major injuries. They need someone who can fill innings until the top starters return. Brad Keller’s willingness to pitch in any role makes him an appealing target for 2026.
Career year creates new opportunities
Brad Keller delivered the best season of his career with Chicago in 2025. He pitched in 68 games and logged 69.2 innings as a full-time reliever. His 2.07 ERA ranked among the best for relievers with similar volume.
He struck out 75 hitters and finished with a 0.96 WHIP. Opponents hit only .182 against him. He collected 25 holds, three saves and a 4-2 record.
Keller was even better during the second half. He allowed one run in his final 27.2 innings. He struck out 35 batters through that dominant stretch. He carried that form into October, where he gave up one run in 5.2 postseason innings across five games.
Teams noticed his improvements. His velocity rose, and his sinker and sweeper grew sharper. Those changes signaled real growth, not a temporary boost. His new performance level made him a valuable free agent.
Three missing starters create urgent Yankees need
The Yankees begin 2026 without three major rotation pieces. Gerrit Cole continues to recover from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until May. Carlos Rodon had elbow surgery to remove loose bodies and fix a bone spur. His timetable also pushes into the season. Clarke Schmidt had Tommy John surgery in July. His return will not come until the second half of the season, if he returns at all.
Max Fried is the only proven starter ready for Opening Day. The Yankees signed him to an eight-year, $218 million deal to lead the staff. Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil and Will Warren complete the group of healthy options. They offer upside but remain untested across a full season.
This shortage creates immediate innings pressure. The Yankees need reliable arms to handle starts early in the year and to back up the rotation once the injured pitchers return. Keller’s flexibility fits that challenge.
Other teams already circling
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Keller is receiving attention as both a reliever and a starter. Teams are interested in whether his new pitch mix can succeed in the rotation again.
“Brad Keller, who revived his career last season out of the Cubs bullpen, is receiving inquiries this offseason as both a starter and reliever,” Sherman wrote on November 13, 2025. “Keller is still just 30, and there are teams curious if the improved arsenal can not translate back to being a starter. In recent years, pitchers such as Clay Holmes, Michael King, Reynaldo Lopez, and Seth Lugo have successfully returned from the pen to starting.”
Sherman’s list includes pitchers who handled jumps similar to the one Keller might make. Their success shows why teams like the Yankees view Keller as a strong fit.
Keller has a starter’s background. He made at least 20 starts in four of his first five seasons with Kansas City. His results varied, but the experience matters. From 2018 to 2022, he threw 633.2 innings for the Royals. That ranked seventh in the American League during that period.
Bargain price adds to appeal
Spotrac estimates Keller’s market value at roughly $1.8 million per year. That number is very small for a team trying to contend. It also gives the Yankees flexibility to address other areas of need.
Chicago signed Keller to a minor league deal worth $1.5 million last winter. His performance raised his value, but he will not command a high-cost contract. That helps teams looking for short-term help without major budget commitments.
There are medical questions. Keller had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery before 2024. He struggled across stops with the White Sox and Red Sox that year and posted a 5.44 ERA in 41.1 innings. Chicago took a low-risk gamble on him in 2025, and it paid off.
Dual role offers insurance policy
The Yankees could offer a deal that protects both sides. Keller could compete for starts in spring training. If he wins a spot, he could stay in the rotation until Cole or Rodon return. After that, he could move back to the bullpen.
If he struggles as a starter, the Yankees could shift him to relief early. He is comfortable in either job, which lowers the risk for the team.
Other clubs have followed the same plan with strong results. Clay Holmes made the change from closer to starter. Michael King thrived after shifting to the rotation. Reynaldo Lopez handled a similar jump. Seth Lugo became a reliable starter for Kansas City after years as a reliever.
Keller has the skill set to follow that path. His stuff works in leverage spots and long outings. His mindset also supports the transition.
Why this move makes sense now
Sherman wrote that the Yankees have not emerged as a top contender for Keller yet. That could change as free agency moves forward and the Yankees’ rotation picture becomes clearer.
Brian Cashman spoke about early season challenges at his October media session. He made clear the team must avoid falling behind while waiting on injured starters.
“We have pitching depth, but it’s going to be challenged early,” Cashman said. “We’ll be exploring how to protect ourselves so we’re not taking on water early.”
The Yankees already re-signed Ryan Yarbrough to serve as a swingman. They may need more than one option for that role.
Keller’s age is another advantage. At 30, he is entering the prime years for pitchers who have rebuilt their careers. His velocity gains show that he has recovered physically. Teams can expect several productive seasons.
He also proved himself over a full season. He pitched in high-pressure games and performed well in October. That matters for a team like the Yankees, where expectations are high.
His price, his flexibility and his rebound season create a strong match. The Yankees have several roster questions to answer. Keller gives them a solution that fits without major risk.
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