Phillies Load the Bullpen with Brad Keller, Now Go Finish the Job and Bring Back Realmuto & Bader

The Phightin’s bullpen is getting a major boost heading into the 2026 season.  The Phillies have reached an agreement with free-agent right-handed reliever Brad Keller on a two-year, $22 million deal pending a physical, and suddenly the back end of the pen looks really, really good. Keller was outstanding with the Cubs last season, posting a 2.07 ERA in just under 70 innings, striking out 75 while walking only 22.

With the Phillies picking up José Alvarado’s 2026 club option after his long suspension, Rob Thomson now has two real setup options for Jhoan Duran- Alvarado from the left side and Keller from the right. The more options the better, but as of right now, this is the most talented bullpen I can remember the Phillies ever taking into a new season.

Photo Credit: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire

The news of the Keller signing came on the heels of a dreaded report by Phillies beat writer for The Athletic, Matt Gelb, that the Phillies outfield is set per Phillies President of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski:

If you read my last post following the Adolis García signing, it’s clear I believe the outfield received a legitimate upgrade moving from Castellanos to García- for a lot of reasons. But I’m still not comfortable rolling into 2026 with Brandon Marsh / Otto Kemp in left (and remember, Marsh won’t hit lefties), rookie Justin Crawford in center, and García in right. I hope I'm wrong but it just feels completely underwhelming.

And that’s the frustrating part. With the latest bullpen addition, the Phillies are right there with the Dodgers. This roster is so close. Yet it still feels like they’re hesitant to take the extra step that the Dodgers or Yankees would make without blinking...which brings me back to Harrison Bader.

The Athletic’s Matt Gelb also reported that the Phillies still interest in Harrison Bader, even after the García signing. Yes, there are reports Bader wants a multi-year deal- well, no kidding. Every MLB player wants three-plus years. But Bader is 31, and he’s still sitting out there. The longer that continues, the more I like the Phillies’ chances. It tells me the market isn’t lining up with his ask. If most teams are stuck at two years, I can absolutely see Bader coming back to South Philly. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to play here?

Right now, assuming J.T. Realmuto re-signs and the Phillies lose Suárez, I still see this as a 92+ win team. Add Bader, though? That’s the move that pushes them over the top. Imagine the confidence the Phillies’ pitching staff would take to the mound knowing the everyday outfield features two former Gold Glove winners, with Justin Crawford, a rookie who runs like a cheetah, patrolling the grass alongside them. Balls in gaps could turn into outs, and the staff will attack the zone unlike anything we have seen in our lifetime.

If the Phillies land Bader, I’ll say it now: They break the franchise regular-season win record set in 2011. And yes, they’ll absolutely give the Dodgers a real run for their money.