The Yankees will stay on the hunt for bullpen help.
Free agent Brad Keller is in agreement with the Phillies on a two-year deal, ESPN reported. The deal is still pending a physical.
The Yankees were interested in Keller after his breakout season with the Cubs as a reliever, holding a 2.07 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 68 games.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Brad Keller (40) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning during game five of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The righty was seen as a valuable starter or reliever in free agency, yet the Yankees were reportedly interested in him for the bullpen despite their need to add to the rotation.
The Yankees will start the season without Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt in the rotation.
They signed Ryan Yarbrough with the intention to start him early in the season until Cole and/or Rodón return. After that, they would work Yarbrough into the bullpen, as he has experience doing both.
It was thought that Keller would fall into a similar role.
The Yankee bullpen stands now with David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval, and Tim Hill — a group that general manager Brian Cashman has voiced he wanted to add depth to.
Brad Keller #40 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after the final out in game three of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on October 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Getty Images
The Yankee end-of-game bullpen right now has David Bednar closing set up by Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval and Tim Hill. General manager Brian Cashman has said he wants to add depth to that group.
The only moves the Yankees bullpen has seen have been exits.
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The Post’s Joel Sherman reported Wednesday that the Mets are finalizing a two-year, $22 million deal for Luke Weaver.
Weaver will join Devin Williams, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets on Dec. 1.
The Yankees never gave Williams a formal offer, but the reliever didn’t call Cashman to ask for one either.
Williams is the favorite to be the closer after Edwin Diaz went to the Dodgers.