White Sox Sign Former AL Central Rival Pitcher
Chicago signs a pitcher very familiar to White Sox fans.
By Cem Yolbulan
The Chicago White Sox have been looking for more depth in their pitching rotation. It wasn't the high-end signing their fans were hoping for, but the White Sox are bringing in a familiar face to bolster their pitching.
Brad Keller, who has an extensive history with the White Sox as a rival, was signed to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
White Sox News: Chicago Signs Former Rival Brad Keller
White Sox Sign Brad Keller To Minor League Deal https://t.co/6IGCeo8FfR pic.twitter.com/xAW0BkqPX2
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 8, 2024
The 28-year-old RHP is very well known to White Sox fans. In a matchup between the Royals and the White Sox in 2019, shortstop Tim Anderson had his infamous bat-flip home run celebration following his dinger. Later that game, Keller threw a pitch that hit Anderson in the hip, causing benches to clear. This ended up in a one-game suspension for Anderson and a five-game suspension for Keller after MLB concluded that the hit was intentional.
This incident made Keller a public enemy for White Sox fans.
Benches clear in Royals-White Sox after Brad Keller hits Tim Anderson in the 6th inning. pic.twitter.com/u9IhZ56AvP
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2019
Brad Keller's career didn't take off the way Royals fans were hoping for. Once upon a time considered the future ace of the Royals, Keller struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his career.
Keller's 2023 season ended early after nine starts with the Kansas City Royals as he was placed on the injured list with right shoulder impingement syndrome. He went 3-4 with a 4.57 ERA last season. For his career, he has a 4.27 ERA and 1.446 WHIP across 114 starts in 150 games.
The White Sox have taken a few fliers on intriguing players this offseason, but Keller is perhaps the most fascinating one. It remains to be seen whether he will make the final roster but how Keller is received at Guaranteed Rate Field if he does is worth keeping an eye on.
Chicago needs all the help it can get ahead of the 2024 season. The White Sox are currently considered +4000 to win AL Central on FanDuel Sportsbook. Head over and claim your sign-up bonus using this exclusive Da Windy City link now.
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