The Chicago Cubs are entering the offseason with a clear focus on improving their pitching, which is expected to be the top priority throughout the winter.
While the signing of Phil Maton to a two-year deal was a significant boost for the bullpen, the Cubs’ back-end pitching remains a work in progress as president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer looks to assemble a competitive roster for 2026.
Sometimes strengthening a roster involves retaining key players rather than pursuing new additions, and right-handed free agent Brad Keller is a prime example.
Cubs May Lose Keller to Braves According to Feinsand
After a breakout season, Keller is hitting the open market. In a recent MLB.com article outlining ideal fits for free agents, Mark Feinsand highlighted Keller as a top candidate for the Atlanta Braves, with the potential to even transition into a starting role.“Keller excelled as a reliever for the Cubs in 2025, recording a 2.07 ERA over 68 appearances,” Feinsand noted.
“The Braves have previously had success turning Reynaldo López from a reliever into a starter, and Keller could be a similar candidate in 2026. Atlanta also needs bullpen depth, so Keller would provide flexibility depending on how their offseason unfolds.”Whether Keller actually transitions to the starting rotation—and whether it would succeed—remains uncertain. Still, Chicago has strong reasons to try to keep him in their bullpen.
Cubs May Lose Keller to Braves According to Feinsand
Cubs May Lose Keller to Braves According to Feinsand
In a season where the Cubs’ relief corps struggled with consistency, Keller stood out, putting himself in the conversation as one of the team’s most valuable pitchers.Losing Keller Would Be Massive Blow to CubsAs with any free-agent decision, the financial aspect is key, but Keller emerged as a standout after initially flying under the radar as a minor-league signing.Earning a spot on the Cubs’ roster in spring, Keller delivered a 2.07 ERA and 0.962 WHIP across 68 appearances, compiling a bWAR of 1.4. Over 69.2 innings, he struck out 75 batters while walking just 22, providing stability for a bullpen that struggled at times.
Naturally, such a strong performance makes him a highly sought-after player, which could make retaining him challenging. Losing Keller to Atlanta, however, would be a significant blow.The Braves, coming off a missed playoff berth, will be motivated to contend again, and if the Cubs fail to win the division, Atlanta could emerge as a key competitor in the Wild Card race. This sets the stage for a potentially intense offseason, with at least one National League rival actively pursuing Keller.
