Kyle Robert Keller (born April 28, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, and Pittsburgh Pirates and in NPB for the Hanshin Tigers.
Amateur career
Keller attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He played college baseball for four seasons (2012–2015) at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.
Professional career
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins selected Keller in the 15th round, with the 536th overall selection, of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut in 2015 with the Low–A Batavia Muckdogs, the Single–A Greensboro Grasshoppers, and the High–A Jupiter Hammerheads, accumulating a 0–3 record with a 6.26 ERA in 26 innings. He spent the 2016 season with Greensboro, going 3–2 with a 3.35 ERA in 45 innings. In 2017, he repeated the year with Greensboro, going 2–0 with a 2.28 ERA in 67 innings. His 2018 season was split between Jupiter, the Double–A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, and the Triple–A New Orleans Baby Cakes, accumulating a 2–4 record with a 3.08 ERA in 52.2 innings.
On November 20, 2018, the Marlins added Keller to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. In 2019, he opened the season with Jacksonville, and was promoted to New Orleans on April 9. On August 1, 2019, the Marlins promoted Keller to the major leagues for the first time. He made his major league debut on August 4, striking out one batter over 1+2⁄3 innings pitched. In 10 appearances during his rookie campaign, Keller logged a 3.38 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 10+2⁄3 innings pitched. Keller was designated for assignment by Miami on December 20, following the signing of Yimi García.
Los Angeles Angels
On January 6, 2020, Keller was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Jose Estrada. Keller only made two appearances for the Angels in 2020, giving up two runs in 2+1⁄3 innings for a 7.71 ERA with a lone strikeout. On March 31, 2021, Keller was designated for assignment by the Angels.
Pittsburgh Pirates
On April 5, 2021, Keller was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. He made 32 appearances for the Pirates, going 1–1 with a 6.48 ERA and 36 strikeouts. On November 6, Keller was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians. He subsequently rejected the assignment and elected free agency the next day.
Hanshin Tigers
On December 11, 2021, Keller signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball. Keller was mainly used as a relief pitcher.
Yomiuri Giants
On December 26, 2023, Keller signed with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. He made 52 appearances out of the bullpen for Yomiuri in 2024, compiling a 2–2 record and 1.53 ERA with 54 strikeouts across 47 innings pitched. On December 8, 2024, Keller re–signed with the Giants on a one–year contract.