The Chicago Cubs have been busy adding organizational depth, especially on the pitching staff. Already this off-season, they have signed once promising players such as Brandon Hughes, Trevor Richards, Ben Heller, Phil Bickford, Brooks Kriske, and reportedly AJ Puckett. One player that can now be added to that list is Brad Keller.
Brad Keller is the latest reclamation project to sign with the Chicago Cubs
According to Bruce Levine, Keller and the Cubs have agreed to a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Keller previously spent the 2024 with the Boston Red Sox as well as the Chicago White Sox. All together he posted a 5.44 ERA across 41.1 innings pitched that included a pair of starts.
Cubs sign RHP Brad Keller to minor league deal and invite to spring training.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) January 31, 2025
Brad Keller once looked like a promising piece of the Kansas City Royals
Formerly an eighth round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Keller was traded to the Royals before making his MLB debut. He ended up making an immediate impact in Kansas City during the 2018 season where he had a 3.08 ERA across 140.1 innings. The following year the Royals gave him a full time starting job, posting a 4.19 ERA over 28 starts, and then during the shortened 2020 season he had a 2.47 ERA over nine starts.
Unfortunately he struggled during the 2021-2023 seasons, which included undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. 2024 was his first year back following that procedure. While he had a 5.44 ERA in the big leagues a season ago, in the minor leagues he posted a 3.28 ERA.
What to expect from Brad Keller in 2025?
Like the other reclamation projects that the Cubs have signed, Keller will have to remain patient for a big league opportunity. Making the team out of camp is unlikely, but he’s another pitcher that they can turn to should injuries in the starting rotation arise.
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