Brad Keller isn't the biggest name in free agency this offseason.
But the Chicago Cubs' right-handed pitcher has as much intrigue as almost anyone.
That's because Keller has the chance to be the latest success story of a pitcher who went down to the bullpen but then returns to a starting rotation and has better stuff than when he left his role as a starter initially.
Whichever team signs Keller this offseason will likely bring him back to starting, and it might work wonderfully.
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It could also come cheap. In a new article on Thursday, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects Keller for a two-year contract worth $22 million.
"Keller found some success as a big league starter for Kansas City from 2018 to 2022, then had a bout with thoracic outlet syndrome, leading to up-and-down performances for the Royals, White Sox and Red Sox in various roles in 2023 and 2024, before his breakout role as a setup man for the Cubs in 2025," McDaniel writes. "One big reason for that change is Keller's velocity jumped by about 3.5 mph in 2025, helped a bit by the shorter stints, as well. With that added bump, Keller threw his heater in the zone a lot more, jumping his zone rate from 53% to 60%. His lively sinker, slider, sweeper, and changeup are all located to tunnel off of that center-cut 95-99 mph heater. The cutter shape of his fastball is a favorite for pitch design-focused teams due to this movement inclination giving a chance for a seam-shifted sinker, kick changeup and multiple standout breaking pitches."
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That actually seems like a pitcher the Cubs should want to bring back. They're in better position than any other team to really know what Keller is capable of, given that they just got to see all his bullpen sessions and outings up close for an entire season.
There are plenty of teams that would like a value starting pitcher signing, though, so the Cubs won't be alone.
There's inherent risk in the move back to the rotation, of course, but there's also a lot of upside, so someone is sure to give it a try.
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