The Philadelphia Phillies have had some shaky bullpens over the last half-decade. While things have been better in recent years, it's always a sore spot for Phillies fans.
But, in 2026, the Phillies' bullpen is going to be a lot better. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported the Phillies are signing Brad Keller to a two-year, $22 million deal to bolster the bullpen.
With Keller now in the fold, the Phillies' new-look bullpen for the 2026 season is a great one. The Phillies' projected bullpen after the $22 million Keller signing looks very strong, a stark contrast to the beginning of the 2025 season in Philadelphia.
Phillies 2026 bullpen projection after Brad Keller $22 million signing
There are two groups of relievers on the Phillies roster, the right-handers and the left-handers. The righties are closer Jhoan Duran, likely set-up man Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, Rule 5 Draft pick Zach McCambley, and Max Lazar.
The Phillies left-handers, for now, are Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks. There have been trade rumors about one of these lefties, but if they hold onto all three, then the Phillies will have a well-balanced bullpen between righties and lefties.
Duran is the closer, while Strahm and Keller are likely set-up men for the Phillies in 2026. Alvarado, Kerkering, McCambley, Lazar, and Banks will comprise the rest of the bullpen.
More: Phillies receiving trade interest from Mariners on $7.5 million lefty reliever
Taijuan Walker, at some point during the 2026 season, could return to the bullpen as a long reliever, but for now, with Zach Wheeler's uncertainty, Walker will remain a starter to begin the year.
There was some talk of Keller being a starter for a team this winter, but the Phillies are planning to have Keller stay in the bullpen, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
This new-look Phillies bullpen is a huge step-up from the 2025 season. Duran and Keller are much better right-handers than Romano and Ross, and with the trio of lefties, along with Kerkering in the fold, this bullpen has the case to be one of the best in the Majors.
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