Kyle

Keller

There could have been opportunities available for Keller stateside after he registered a terrific 1.38 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a 59/21 K/BB ratio over 52 innings in Japan in 2024. He has now put together three straight spectacular seasons there, where he has blossomed into one of the league’s premiere setup men. Perhaps he’s just comfortable in his role and surroundings there and doesn’t have a desire to return to the big leagues.

Keller drew interest from several major league organizations this offseason, but has apparently opted to remain overseas for 2024. The 30-year-old righty has been one of the best relievers in Japan over the past two seasons, posting a sparkling 2.37 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 92/28 K/BB ratio across 76 innings (79 appearances) for the Hanshin Tigers. He’ll likely return to the big leagues at some point in the coming years.

The 30-year-old hurler has spent the past two years pitching in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. In 2023, he posted a 1.71 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 28/16 K/BB ratio over 26 1/3 innings of work with the Hanshin Tigers. Murray also notes that in addition to the big league clubs looking at him, several NPB clubs are interested in him as well. Expect Keller to land a multi-year deal of some sort this winter.

Keller made 44 relief appearances for the Pirates between 2019 and 2021 before spending last year overseas in Japan. The 29-year-old righty finished last season with a strong 3.31 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 46/5 K/BB ratio across 32 2/3 innings (34 appearances).

The 28-year-old hurler was removed from the Pirates 40-man roster back in November after posting a lackluster 6.48 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 36/22 K/BB ratio over 33 1/3 innings with the big-league club. He was much better at Triple-A Indianapolis, and the Tigers view him as a potential high-leverage arm to be used in the late innings. No word on the length of the deal or the financial terms.

Keller has been ejected from the Pirates’ 40-man roster after clearing waivers earlier this week. The 28-year-old righty registered an uninspiring 6.48 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 36/22 K/BB ratio across 33 1/3 innings (32 appearances) at the big-league level last year.

Keller was just sent down Sunday when David Bednar returned from the injured list, but he’s back again with Luis Oviedo hurt. The 28-year-old holds a rough 6.75 ERA over 29 1/3 innings in the majors this year.

Pirates closer David Bednar returned from the injured list on Sunday, leaving Keller without a spot on the major league roster. The right-hander has posted a 6.75 ERA this season over 29 1/3 innings at the major league with a 1.53 WHIP.

Keller, along with Shea Spitzbarth, will take the place of JT Brubaker and Duane Underwood, who were placed on the injured list with shoulder discomfort on Sunday.

Keller has recorded an underwhelming 7.13 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 25/18 K/BB ratio across 24 innings (23 appearances) with the Pirates this season. The 28-year-old righty will head back to the minors until another opportunity presents itself.