Brad Keller DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Brad Keller will serve as the opener in what will be a bullpen game on Saturday against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Counsell would not confirm whether right-handed pitching prospect Cade Horton will follow Keller as the bulk reliever. Keller probably won't last more than an inning or two in this one, so he's not a realistic fantasy streamer against a tough lineup on the road. The 29-year-old has appeared out of Chicago's bullpen 15 times so far this year and has a 3.78 ERA (2.21 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and six walks in 16 2/3 total innings pitched. Keller has gone two innings in relief just twice for the Cubs, including his first appearance of the year back on March 28. If Horton comes into the game after Keller exits, it will be for his major-league debut.

The Athletic's Patrick Mooney writes that Chicago Cubs right-hander Brad Keller will likely be added to the big-league roster at some point because he has an opt-out clause in his contract, and the Cubs wouldn't want to see him get taken by another team at the end of spring training. Keller has shown a velocity jump due to mechanical improvements and has opened eyes in the Cactus League, according to sources. If he's in the big leagues with the Cubs in 2025, Keller will earn a $1.5 million salary. In his seven innings in spring training action, the 29-year-old has allowed four runs while striking out six and walking one. Despite the fact that Keller is looking better this spring, he's still unlikely to be on the fantasy radar and could be ticketed for a long-relief role out of Chicago's bullpen in 2025. In seven big-league seasons, he's had a 4.34 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, two saves and a weak 17.1% strikeout rate.

According to Jacob Zanolla of Cubs Insider, the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Brad Keller to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Keller spent the 2024 season with the White and Red Sox. Across 41 1/3 innings of work, the 29-year-old posted a 5.44 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP. He struck out 32 batters with a solid 7.8% walk rate. He also generated ground balls at a strong 49.7% rate, which was above the average marks. Across 68 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Keller posted a 3.28 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. After posting a career-best 2.47 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP during the 2020 shortened season, Keller has had trouble finding consistency at the major league level. Fantasy managers should expect Keller to compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training.