In a move that solidifies their pitching staff for 2026 and beyond, the Chicago Cubs have officially locked in right-hander Brad Keller to a new two-year, $22 million contract, ESPN reported in its latest update. The deal marks a major vote of confidence in Keller’s transformation from a bullpen project into one of the Cubs’ most intriguing comeback stories.
Sources around the league had long anticipated significant interest in Keller after his breakout 2025 season with Chicago, but few expected negotiations to move this quickly — or for the Cubs to commit this aggressively. According to the ESPN report, the Cubs viewed Keller as a “priority retention,” believing his resurgence is sustainable as he transitions back into a full-time starting role.
A Comeback That Rewrote His Market Value
Once a steady starter for the Kansas City Royals between 2018 and 2022, Keller’s career took a sharp turn after thoracic outlet issues derailed his performance. Following uneven stints with the Royals, White Sox, and Red Sox in 2023–24, he arrived in Chicago with modest expectations and no clear role.
But everything changed in 2025.
A velocity surge of more than 3 mph, refined pitch sequencing, and a revamped fastball shape helped Keller reinvent himself as a dominant late-inning weapon. With a blazing 95–99 mph heater, a sinking fastball that produces weak contact, and multiple breaking pitches tunneling tightly off his primary offerings, Keller became one of the Cubs’ most valuable arms.
His setup-man role stabilized Chicago’s bullpen and reignited league-wide interest in his upside as a starter — setting the stage for this moment.
Chicago Believes the Best Is Yet to Come
ESPN reports that Chicago’s front office, led by general manager Carter Hawkins, pushed hard to finalize a deal before other pitching-needy teams could join the bidding. With several clubs looking for value starters, the Cubs knew Keller’s combination of power, polish, and momentum would draw offers.
Internal evaluations reportedly showed confidence that Keller could not only return to starting but potentially exceed his earlier career peak.
“Chicago has seen every bullpen session, every side day, every adjustment,” an ESPN insider noted. “They believe they’re getting the next great relaunch story.”
A High-Reward Gamble — But One the Cubs Know Well
While Keller’s return to the rotation carries risks — durability questions and workload management among them — the Cubs understand his makeup better than any suitor. They were the ones who helped rebuild his mechanics, reshape his pitch arsenal, and regain his confidence.
For a franchise aiming to contend again in 2026, securing Keller at $11 million annually is not only affordable — it may prove one of the offseason’s biggest steals.
What This Means for the Cubs’ Rotation
The deal signals Chicago’s intention to expand their pitching depth with players who blend upside with proven MLB experience. Keller is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation, joining a group that could now include:
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Justin Steele
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Kyle Hendricks (if retained)
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Jordan Wicks
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Javier Assad
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Hayden Wesneski
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And now Brad Keller, potentially as a high-ceiling mid-rotation arm
A bullpen role remains possible if needed, but the Cubs are committed to giving Keller a real shot at starting long-term.
A New Chapter Begins
For Brad Keller, this contract represents more than job security — it’s validation of one of baseball’s most impressive turnarounds in recent seasons. For the Cubs, it’s a strategic investment in an arm they believe can help lead the club back to playoff contention.
And for the league, it’s a reminder:
In baseball’s modern era of pitching design, development, and reinvention, no resurgence should be underestimated.
