The Chicago Cubs came into the offseason with a desperate need to rebuild/restock their bullpen. Of the relievers on their 2025 NLDS roster, only Daniel Palencia and Ben Brown were guaranteed to still be Cubs heading into 2026.
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On the list of possible outgoing free agents, bullpen anchors Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar were prominent, alongside Michael Soroka, Aaron Civale, Taylor Rogers, and Ryan Brasier. Chicago also opted to trade Andrew Kittredge back to the Baltimore Orioles rather than deal with his $9 million option. Eli Morgan, meanwhile, was non-tendered.
It was reported on Tuesday that the lefty Thielbar would be re-signing with the Cubs on a one-year, $4 million contract, plus incentives, with a mutual option for 2027. Also reported on Tuesday was the loss of Pomeranz, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Brad Keller to the Phillies
Oct 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Brad Keller (40) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning during game five of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
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Now, The Athletic is reporting that Keller has been scooped up by the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal worth $22 million over two years.
Keller, who had hit rough patches with the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox, was a non-roster spring training invitee for the Cubs heading into the 2025 season, championed by manager Craig Counsell, who liked his character and the technical changes he had made to his mound approach.
The low-risk gamble on Keller paid off as the right-hander would thrive in his role in the Cubs bullpen, posting a 2.07 ERA in 69.2 innings over 68 games. By the end of the season and playoffs, the 30-year-old had firmly established himself within Counsell’s circle of trust and was proving to be a true high-leverage asset.
There had been hope that Keller and the Cubs could work out some sort of deal, but the demand for his services, combined with the possibility of him being returned to a starting pitching role, promised to elevate his free agent asking price beyond Chicago’s financial comfort zone.
The loss hits hard
Mar 24, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Brad Keller in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Even amid the re-signing of Thielbar and the additions of free agents Phil Maton and Hoby Milner so far this offseason, the loss of Keller hits hard.
One could’ve easily seen Keller move into the closer role if Palencia were to fall apart and lose his gig. He pretty much proved late last season that he could handle the high-leverage, high-pressure spots when needed.
Without Keller, the Cubs will have one less option as a backup to a Palencia who showed considerable chinks in his armor in the final months of the 2025 campaign.
Shortly after the Keller-Phillies news hit, a plan B closer option for the Cubs would also come off the market.
Chicago Cubs then lose a plan B option
Sep 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Luke Weaver (30) follows through on a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of game one of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Multiple sources are reporting that righty Luke Weaver, now formerly of the New York Yankees, was signed by the New York Mets on an identical deal to Keller’s.
The 32-year-old Weaver has experience as a closer and would’ve been a capable fallback plan for Palencia, just as Keller would’ve been.
While some quality bullpen arms remain on the market, the pool of closer-capable relievers is drying up fast, with the Tampa Bay Rays’ Pete Fairbanks left, pretty much, as the last closer standing as several teams reportedly continue to court him.
All of this forces the Cubs to face the reality that a closer-by-committee will have to take shape should Palencia suffer a fall from grace.
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