Red Sox Release Veteran Pitcher Kyle Keller to Free Agency

The Boston Red Sox released right-handed pitcher Kyle Keller after he spent the 2026 season within the club’s minor league system, heavy.com reported.

Keller elected free agency after failing to make a major league appearance for Boston during the campaign.

Before his release, Keller pitched for Triple-A Worcester. He logged a 3-3 record, a 4.02 ERA, and 39 strikeouts across 23 appearances for the Triple-A club.

Keller carries major league experience from three previous seasons split across the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, and Pittsburgh Pirates, according to heavy.com. Across 44 career MLB games, he holds a 1-1 record with a 5.83 ERA and 48 strikeouts.

His last appearance at the major league level came during the 2021 season with Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the Red Sox organization for 2026, he spent four consecutive seasons pitching in Japan.

In a separate bullpen move, the Red Sox designated veteran pitcher Zack Kelly for assignment ahead of MLB free agency. Kelly subsequently elected free agency after removal from the 40-man roster.

Kelly posted a heartfelt message on X following his departure. What a ride! I’m grateful to have been a part of such a historic organization the last 6 years, Kelly wrote on X, as quoted by heavy.com.

Boston originally signed Kelly to a minor-league deal in 2021 before he made his MLB debut in 2022. He went 0-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 17 games this season before landing on the 60-day injured list in late July due to a stress reaction in his olecranon bone.

Despite these roster departures, MLB.com reporter Ian Browne expects the Red Sox bullpen to remain a strong point. Browne noted that the relief corps features high-end options with Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman, though injuries to Tyron Guerrero and Justin Slaten impacted the team late in the year.

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