Re-Signing Brad Keller should be a no-brainer for the Cubs |
Dustin Riese
· · 2 hours ago
Now that the Cubs have added Phil Maton on a multi-year deal, the back end of the Cubs pen suddenly looks better. Maton has been one of the better relievers in baseball the past three seasons and is coming off a career year, so look for the Cubs to use him in a variety of ways next season.
Despite his addition, the Cubs bullpen is still in desperate need of more arms as they currently have three pitchers on contracts for the pen next season. Porter Hodge and Daniel Palencia are the other two arms paired with Maton, so at least the middle-late inning roles appear to be covered for the time being. For the Cubs to compete next season, they will need to add more to their pen, and with several strong bullpen arms available, the Cubs are going to have plenty to choose from. Brad Keller is a name that comes to mind that the Cubs must sign, as he is coming off a career year in 2025. Signed as a Minor League free agent last December, Keller impressed in Spring Training so much so that he earned a spot on the Cubs MLB roster to open the season. From there, the right-hander went on to have a career year as he emerged as one of Craig Counsell's most trusted options. You could also make the case that he was the MVP of the Cubs pen, as he took on any role given to him and passed each and every one with flying colors. Across 68 games and nearly 70 innings, Keller was about as good as you can be, allowing just 16 ER, which comes out to a 2.07 ERA. With 22 walks and 75 strikeouts, he continued to show his overpowering stuff, looking like the former top prospect he once was. Given the way he pitched last season, it makes too much sense for the Cubs not to go after him, but with several teams looking to make him a starter once again, he may be inclined to take one of those offers instead.
