Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays had their fair share of options to replace Jeff Hoffman as their closing pitcher, they have added Tyler Rogers but it looks like they are not done just yet.
Hoffman was not built to be a closer and it showed in game 7 of the World Series with a blown save vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers which is why they are looking for a potential replacement.
Toronto Blue Jays linked to Brad Keller.
According to Colton Pankiw of BlogTo, the Blue Jays are now interested in free agent Brad Keller, who played for the Chicago Cubs last season.
Keller began his career as a starting pitcher, but has now transitioned to the bullpen, last season was by far his best.
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. -Pankiw
Keller's best asset is his versatility, having experience both in the bullpen and as a starting pitcher, gives the Blue Jays a lot of options with him.
If he ever needs to start a game they can rely on him, relief pitching is probably the Blue Jays weakest area right now, and Keller can improve that.
"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."-Pankiw
The only issue here is that Keller has never been a closer but now with the addition of Rogers, the Blue Jays have the option to just bring in Keller as a reliever and look at Rogers as a potential closer.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13|520 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays expected to sign right handed pitcher Should the Toronto Blue Jays invest in both Brad Keller and Pete Fairbanks as relief options? | ||
| Yes | 340 | 65.4 % |
| No | 180 | 34.6 % |
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