How Yankees can pounce on MLB’s growing trend of pitchers

LAS VEGAS — Brad Keller, who revived his career last season out of the Cubs bullpen, is receiving inquiries this offseason as both a starter and reliever.

In his first three seasons (2018-20), Keller had a 3.50 ERA in 78 games, including 57 starts. But in 88 games (59 starts) from 2021-24, Keller struggled to a 5.18 ERA.

The righty signed a minor league contract with the Cubs prior to the 2025 season and in 68 games (one as an opener) and was terrific with a 2.07 ERA, among the majors’ best ground-ball percentages (55.5), a .182 average against and a 27.2 strikeout percentage. With distance from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome after the 2023 season, and being used strictly in short bursts, Keller’s fastball average spiked more than 3 mph to 97.2, and he broadened the use of a very effective sinker and sweeper.

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.