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deletedAug 18, 2022·edited Aug 18, 2022
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Thanks, Jackson! Maybe ditching the sinker will unlock something for him in short outings. But I agree…unless he has some sort of Wade Davis bullpen epiphany, he’s not going to be worth the raise he will get for 2023.

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Aug 18, 2022Liked by Craig Brown

I’m not a huge Keller fan. So while I don’t mind the move to the bullpen. If they non-tender him I find myself curious what exactly the plan is here because they need someone to throw innings next year. Going into the year we thought we had all these arms when in reality you never have enough arms. So while Singer, Lynch, Bubic are pretty much locks again next year. I guess….you resign Grienke…..but his numbers are so far off from Keller’s at probably a higher cost. Seems clear they have no other real choice but to go out and sign one…two…three guys this offseason? Even if you go with Singer, Lynch, Bubic, Greinke….you probably need to sign two guys as that is assuming ZERO injuries. Even then…Bubic and Greinke are 5’s at this point I believe. I hope it means a big trade or FA signing is coming. But man, they need more decent arms for next year.

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The Royals will have to run their own analysis to determine whether he would be worth the contract. Sounds simplistic, but it’s more important on a 3rd year arb eligible player who’s going to be making more money.

Keller’s fWAR by year:

2018 - 2.6

2019 - 2.2

2020 - 1.3

2021 - 1.1

2022 - 0.6

He was so good in ‘20 and it seems like something the Royals would continue to buy into. I hope not.

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Aug 18, 2022Liked by Craig Brown

I don't see any way they non tender Keller. But I believe this means he is getting traded this winter 100%.

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I thought about that angle, but he’s not going to return much at all. I’d bet teams would circle, looking for the non-tender and then moving to other targets if he gets offered a contract.

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