Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Keller has been named to Team USA’s bullpen for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. The announcement was made by USA Baseball, which is finalizing its 30-man roster.
Keller joins a group of relievers that includes Mason Miller, Griffin Jax, Gabe Speier, and David Bednar. He is coming off a strong season with the Chicago Cubs, where he posted a 2.07 ERA and averaged 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings. After recovering from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome two years ago, Keller saw his fastball velocity increase by nearly four miles per hour last season.
His performance led to a two-year, $22 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and earned him a place on Team USA’s roster.
The United States lineup features several well-known players: Cal Raleigh and Will Smith at catcher; Bryce Harper at first base; Brice Turang at second; Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop; Alex Bregman and Ernie Clement at third base; Byron Buxton, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Aaron Judge in the outfield; Kyle Schwarber as designated hitter; and pitchers including David Bednar, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Brad Keller, Clayton Kershaw, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Gabe Speier, and Logan Webb.
The Philadelphia Phillies are a professional baseball team in Major League Baseball’s National League with roots dating back to the 19th century. They play their home games at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and have won World Series titles in 1980 and 2008 (official website). The organization serves fans locally and nationally through games held at their stadium as well as community outreach efforts (official website).
