Make or break year for Brad Keller



Kansas City originally acquired Brad Keller from the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 in the Rule 5 Draft. Keller's time with the Royals has been very up and down. The right hander owns a career 4.25 ERA; but unfortunately, the past two seasons his ERA has been above five. Many fans have been frustrated with Keller's numbers since joining the team. I can't say I blame them; however, I don't put all the blame on Keller. In fact, I blame the poor coaching of Cal Eldred. Now that Eldred is no longer part of the Royals’ coaching staff, could we see Keller's full potential in 2023? Kansas City recently tendered Keller a contract for the upcoming season, so the team obviously still believes in the hurler. Many fans wanted the team to move on from the right hander, but I believe the Royals made the right decision to keep the right hander around for another season. According to RotoChamp.com, Keller is projected to post a 5.11 ERA with 102 punchouts. The 2023 season for the 27-year old definitely could be his last season in Kansas City if his stats don't improve, especially with the Royals having a new general manager. Keller unfortunately has struggled the past few seasons, meaning he might have to have one heck of a career year to stay in the mix long term. The veteran does have experience on his side when the Royals are making decisions on pitching if they decide to choose a starting pitcher from the arms already on the team with many of the other pitchers on the roster with very little big league experience. Last season, Keller was demoted to the bullpen making him a hit or miss option for the rotation next season, not to mention the team could sign a free agent starting pitcher hurting Keller's chances of returning to the rotation. The right hander hurler will have to compete for a rotation spot in spring training for the first time in years after being a lock in the rotation for about four and a half seasons. I am excited to see what next season for the right hander and the Royals holds.











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