One of the biggest surprises coming out of Cubs camp is that Brad Keller, who was a non-roster invitee after signing a minor league deal in January, has earned a roster spot on Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cubs finalized their 26-man active roster on Tuesday and among the last couple decisions made was adding Keller to the pitching staff. Keller, who began his MLB career in the starting rotation with the Kansas City Royals, not only put up strong numbers in spring training for the Cubs, but he also flashed never seen before velocity.
Brad Keller has made the Cubs Opening Day roster, per @sahadevsharma. pic.twitter.com/QpYWge0ACS
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) March 25, 2025
Keller has primarily averaged 94mph with his fastball throughout his big-league career, but in shorter outings out of the bullpen with the Cubs in Cactus League play he's been hitting the upper 90s, while sitting at 96mph. That increased tick in velocity paired with a slider led to 13 strikeouts and a 3.86 ERA in 11.2 innings in spring.
Good numbers in spring training don't always guarantee success in the regular season, but the Cubs obviously were intrigued by the way Keller was getting to those positive results.
Brad Keller’s final audition to make the Cubs out of spring training. pic.twitter.com/q2JcaQpIOC
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 24, 2025
Keller's final outing in spring training came on Monday, when he retired the side in order against the Atlanta Braves. He struck out Austin Riley and Matt Olson to end the inning.
Keller hitting 98mph and then following it up with a nasty strikeout of Matt Olson https://t.co/Cr9TIKKltr pic.twitter.com/kr5WDljt1i
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 24, 2025
The Cubs picked up Keller late in the offseason and I'm not sure there were any Cubs fans predicting that he'd be making the team. He posted a 5.44 ERA in 2024, during his time with the White Sox and Red Sox. Keller had a below-average strikeout rate of 16.7%, which was below his career average of 17.1% and also gave up nine home runs in 41.1 innings.
So, we'll still have to see Keller prove it when it matters, but he definitely earned the opportunity with the Cubs out of spring training.
Keller will join the following pitchers in the bullpen on Thursday, when the Cubs start up the season again on the road against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Cubs bullpen: Brad Keller, Colin Rea, Nate Pearson, Caleb Thielbar, Julian Merryweather, Ryan Brasier, Porter Hodge, Ryan Pressly.
