Red Sox agree to one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Brad Keller

Boston options right-handed pitcher Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester

May 26th, 2024

BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today signed right-handed pitcher Brad Keller to a one-year contract for the 2024 season. He will wear number 46. To make room on the active roster, the club optioned right-handed pitcher Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester. Boston’s 40-man roster is now at 40.

Keller, 28, elected free agency on May 22 after being designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox on May 20. The right-hander pitched in five games (two starts) for the White Sox this season, recording a 4.86 ERA (9 ER/16.2 IP). He has also made three starts for Triple-A Charlotte this season, posting a 4.50 ERA (8 ER/16.0 IP). Originally selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, the Georgia native owns a 4.28 ERA (331 ER/695.2 IP) in 155 career Major League games (116 starts) with the Kansas City Royals (2018-23) and White Sox (2024).

Kelly, 29, tossed 3.0 innings yesterday against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts. The right-hander has posted a 2.16 ERA (4 ER/16.2 IP) and .180 opponent batting average (11-for-61) with 14 strikeouts in 11 Major League games this season. He has also pitched in six Triple-A games with Worcester, allowing zero runs and one hit with 10 strikeouts in 9.0 innings. Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Oakland Athletics in 2017, the Virginia native owns a 3.18 ERA (14 ER/39.2 IP) in 32 career Major League games, all with Boston (2022-24).