Brad Keller Most Appealing Option to Take Over as Cubs Closer
The Cubs suffered more injury woes on Sunday, as Daniel Palencia exited the game with a shoulder injury. Palencia had already been having a difficult run since the start of August before his blown save against the Nationals, but he was still an extremely valuable piece of the Cubs’ bullpen. With Palencia likely missing time due to his injury, Craig Counsell needs a new closer…again.
I wrote about Brad Keller being a good option for closer back in May when Porter Hodge got hurt, and that sentiment still feels quite accurate. Keller has had a fantastic 2025, cementing himself as arguably the best arm in Counsell’s bullpen. That’s a development no one, probably not even Keller himself, saw coming.
The former Royals starter’s four-seam fastball averaged 93.8 mph last season and had never been as high as 95 mph in his career. Opponents had a .295 batting average, a .423 slugging percentage, and only nine strikeouts against the pitch in 2024. This season, his fastball has jumped to 97.2 mph, and hitters have a measly .205 average with a .295 slug and 21 strikeouts.
Brad Keller blows a fastball past Cal Raleigh for the strikeout 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/I8YbS0C92z
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 21, 2025
The Cubs’ middle infield combo of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner has combined for 25 defensive runs saved, making it one of the best duos in baseball. Keller’s 57.3% groundball rate is in the 96th percentile among MLB pitchers, allowing him to play right into his defense’s strength while eliminating his rare mistakes. Strikeouts are obviously huge for closers, but being able to induce grounders for quick outs and double plays is immensely valuable.
Keller has been the reliever Counsell calls on in crucial situations, and he’s only allowed earned runs in six of his 60 appearances this season. That high-leverage experience makes it a relatively easy transition to the 9th inning, and Keller’s pitchability from his time as a starter means hitters can’t just sit on one or two pitches.
Brad Keller, K'ing the Side. pic.twitter.com/6Q7sg4octl
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 20, 2025
If the Cubs opt to keep Keller in his current role and elevate someone else to closer, Caleb Thielbar is an interesting option. I’ll take a deeper dive into his impact on the team later, as the shutdown lefty will factor in the late innings one way or the other.
Caleb “iHaveDinnerPlans” Thielbar
— Joey (23💙) (@suzukiplshomer) September 3, 2025
Possibly having to go with their fourth different closer this season — Keller and Thielbar are already among 10 Cubs pitchers who have earned a save in 2025 — is a problem, but having at least two options ready and waiting helps.
