The Chicago Cubs had multiple pitchers turn in surprisingly great performances this past season, but none was more impressive than Brad Keller. Not only did Keller succeed in his new role, he ended up being the best and most important reliever for the Cubs in 2025. Unfortunately, that now means there's more competition for Keller's services in free agency and if other teams are showing interest in him as a starting pitcher, then it most likely means the Cubs will be losing their best reliever this offseason.
The right-hander was coming off a brutal year with the White Sox and Red Sox, had to settle for a minor league contract before earning an Opening Day roster spot following a head-turning effort in spring training. The 30-year-old was long removed from his brief success as a starter with the Royals and had to completely reinvent his career as a bullpen arm for the Cubs. He began 2025 as a middle reliever and ended his campaign as the team's closer, trusted to get the final outs for the Cubs in the playoffs.
Keller recorded a 2.07 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 75 strikeouts in 68 regular season appearances. He had three saves and 25 holds, primarily coming out of the bullpen as the set-up man before Craig Counsell pivoted late in the year and began to use Keller as the closer. The Cubs are reportedly interested in bringing Keller back in 2026, but if this rumor is true, then it's far more likely that another team will pay the right-handed pitcher more than the Cubs will be willing to.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Keller is garnering interest as a reliever and starting pitcher. The math is pretty simple, if teams are approaching Keller with intentions of him going back to a starter role, then they'll be paying him than the Cubs would as a reliever.
Via the New York Post.
Brad Keller, who revived his career last season out of the Cubs bullpen, is receiving inquiries this offseason as both a starter and reliever.
In his first three seasons (2018-20), Keller had a 3.50 ERA in 78 games, including 57 starts. But in 88 games (59 starts) from 2021-24, Keller struggled to a 5.18 ERA.
There have been quite a few pitchers who have regained traction as starters after spending time in the bullpen, re-establishing their value. Here are some notable free agent contracts from pitchers that have a similar career path as Keller.
Clay Holmes: 3 years, $38 million (Mets)
Reynaldo Lopez: 3 years, $30 million (Braves)
Jordan Hicks: 4 years, $44 million (Giants)
MLBTR released its annual list of top-50 free agents and contract predictions for this offseason. Keller was ranked No. 26, and was projected to sign a three-year, $36 million deal. That calculation was reached after also considering the possibility that a team could pursue Keller with the intention of having him return to the starting rotation.
Although the Cubs are reportedly more open to spending on the bullpen this offseason compared to previous years, Keller's market may very well be out of their comfort zone if he's getting serious interest as a starter.
