The Chicago Cubs are working out their list for a potential playoff run in 2025. While not as big of an acquisition as Ryan Pressly or Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have made a fascinating addition to their pitching staff.

Chicago consented to terms on a minor league contract with right-handed pitcher Brad Keller by means of Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. While the financial details are not yet known, Keller’s contract comes with an invite to spring training.

The right-hander invested the 2024 season parting time between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. More than 16 games in total, he held an unpleasant 5.44 ERA and 32/15 K/BB ratio. When he gets to Chicago, the Cubs are trusting Keller can find the spark he had with the Kansas City Royals.

Through his initial 150 games at the major league level, Keller threw to a 4.27 ERA and a 506/303 K/BB ratio. He entered MLB on a sea of chariots, pitching to a 9-6 record with a 3.08 ERA and a 96/50 K/BB ratio. Outside of his 2.47 ERA in 2020, in which he pitched only nine games, Keller has not been able to match his freshman numbers.

Yet the Cubs are signing him to a low-risk, high-reward sort of arrangement. On a minor league contract, it won’t cost much for Chicago to cut ties with Keller in the event that things go south. Yet, if the righty can somehow or another find a spark, the team will have him on the list inexpensively.

With Shota Imanaga leading the way, the Cubs completed their 2024 campaign ranked 10th in ERA with a 3.78 mark. As they hope to get once more into the postseason, Chicago will endeavor to accomplish something amazing.

There is no assurance Brad Keller will try and have an effect at the major league level in 2025. In any case, Chicago will take the dart throw, trusting Keller turns out to be a needle in the haystack.