Brad Keller Makes Most Sense as Cubs Closer for Time Being

Brad Keller has been Craig Counsell‘s best bullpen arm this season, posting a 2.91 ERA in 21.2 innings. His expected ERA is 2.14, shedding some light on the patches of rough luck he’s encountered throughout the first two months of the season. The Cubs will need a new closer for a while with Porter Hodge headed to the IL, and Keller looks like a great candidate.

Keller joined the Cubs in January, signing a minor league deal that included an invite to spring training. He made the major league roster out of camp and has exceeded expectations all season long. His fastball velocity has increased by over three ticks over previous seasons, with the right-hander sitting at 97 mph and hitting 100 on the radar gun several times. He featured a wicked two-seam fastball on Saturday, making Andrew Vaughn look foolish.

Brad Keller, Unfair 96mph Two Seamer. 😲 pic.twitter.com/A5nsDSX8MY

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2025

Not only has his fastball been spectacular, but his sweeper has been one of the best pitches in baseball. Keller has thrown it 53 times, with opponents posting a .056 average and .070 xwOBA. He has a 48.0% whiff rate on the sweeper, making it his best strikeout pitch.

Keller has been one of the most successful relievers in baseball, with a hard-hit rate of 32.1%that ranks in the 89th percentile. He is striking out 27% of his opponents and has a 62.5% ground-ball rate thanks to an impressive five-pitch arsenal you don’t normally see from someone coming out of the bullpen.

Aside from a few hiccups, Keller has been lights-out in this surprise season. With their primary option down and big question marks still surrounding their other bullpen arms, Keller makes the most sense to fill the closer role for the time being.