The Toronto Blue Jays are continuing to keep their options open when it comes to improving their bullpen.
As much success as the Blue Jays had in 2025, their bullpen was a weak spot. Jeff Hoffman didn’t pan out as hoped in a closing role, while several others were far too inconsistent. To little surprise, it’s an area that management is looking to improve this offseason.
The Blue Jays were linked to Edwin Diaz prior to his deal with the LA Dodgers, as well as Robert Suarez before he signed with the Atlanta Braves. They’ve also expressed interest in Pete Fairbanks. Based on recent reports, you can add another veteran to that list.
Both Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet say that the Blue Jays brass are looking at signing free-agent Brad Keller. The 30-year-old spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs.
Keller, who was a starting pitcher for the first six years of his MLB career, shifted into a bullpen role after departing the Kansas City Royals. He spent time in the bullpen for both the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox in 2024, but it was this past season where he really impressed.
In 69.2 innings with the Cubs, Keller posted a dazzling 2.07 ERA along with 75 strikeouts. He was also able to pick up three saves while ending the year with a 1.4 WAR.
Based on Nicholson-Smith and Davidi’s report, it sounds as though Blue Jays management likes Keller’s versatility.
“One way or another, the Blue Jays remain open to adding further pitching capable of starting and their interest in free agent Brad Keller is also interesting within that context,” their column reads.
This management group has already done plenty of work in regards to their starting pitching this offseason. They’ve signed both Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, while already having Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios under contract. They also still have Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis, who can fill in as starters whenever needed.
Given the impressive rotation options the Blue Jays have, Keller would likely be best suited for a bullpen role, especially when considering his success this past season. That said, his ability to start games if needed seems to be something GM Ross Atkins and his staff find valuable.
