Brad Keller – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Brad Keller, born July 27, 1995, has built a solid career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. The right-hander currently throws for the Chicago Cubs, bringing a steady, ground-ball heavy approach to their pitching staff.

His journey through the MLB really shows how resilient and adaptable he’s been on the mound.

Brad Keller’s current contract with the Chicago Cubs is worth $1,500,000 for one year, while his estimated net worth stands at approximately $15,425,212. This financial snapshot reflects both his present value to the Cubs and the earnings he’s stacked up over his professional baseball career.

His salary has shifted from earlier deals, including a stretch when he pulled in $5,775,000 each year.

Since joining the majors, Keller has earned a reputation as a dependable arm who can eat innings and keep his team in games. His pitching mix and competitive streak have helped him stick around in the big leagues, even with all the challenges that come with the territory.

As he continues with the Cubs, fans are watching closely to see how this next chapter plays out in 2025.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Brad Keller’s path to pro baseball started with modest beginnings and a tight-knit support system that helped shape him as an athlete.

His early years really set the stage for everything that came later.

Childhood and Family Background

Brad Keller entered the world on July 27, 1995, in Flowery Branch, Georgia, a small town not far from Atlanta. He grew up in a middle-class family that backed his sports ambitions from the start.

His parents saw his knack for athletics early and nudged him into all sorts of sports.

He spent endless hours playing backyard baseball with friends and siblings. His dad, who loved baseball himself, would pitch to Brad and teach him the basics.

Their house wasn’t far from Atlanta Braves Turner Field. Brad went to games there and caught the baseball bug for good.

High School and Early Baseball Experience

Keller went to Flowery Branch High School, where he quickly stood out as a pitcher for the Falcons. With his 6’5″ frame and natural velocity, he grabbed the attention of coaches and scouts.

In high school, Keller put up some impressive numbers, especially during his senior year when he kept his ERA under 2.00 and struck out more than a batter an inning.

He also played first base when he wasn’t pitching, showing off some pretty good versatility.

Despite his talent, Keller didn’t get flooded with offers from big college programs. That quieter rise—steady improvement instead of instant stardom—kind of became his thing.

His high school coach, Jimmy Lawler, once said in an oral history, “Brad wasn’t the most polished pitcher, but his work ethic was second to none.”

Mentors and Influential Figures

Several mentors played huge roles in Keller’s development. His high school pitching coach, Trevor Richards, helped tweak his mechanics and taught him the sinker that would become his go-to pitch.

Local scout Terry Goodyear saw Keller’s pro potential early. After watching him dominate a regional tournament, Goodyear started vouching for his future.

Sam Walton, a former minor league pitcher in Keller’s hometown, gave him private lessons during offseasons. Walton’s experience in pro baseball gave Keller a real sense of what it takes to pitch at higher levels.

Keller didn’t train at big-name baseball academies in New York City or Florida. Instead, local mentors who believed in him shaped his path.

Professional Career Highlights

Brad Keller has made a name for himself as a reliable MLB pitcher, contributing to multiple teams along the way.

His climb from a Rule 5 draft pick to a big league starter says a lot about his grit and ability to adapt.

MLB Debut and Initial Success

Brad Keller made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Kansas City Royals after they picked him in the Rule 5 draft.

He wasted no time proving his worth, posting an impressive 3.08 ERA over 140.1 innings as a rookie.

Keller’s early success came from his knack for getting ground balls with his sinking fastball.

The Royals handed him the Opening Day start in 2019, which was a pretty big deal for a guy who skipped Triple-A altogether.

In those first seasons, Keller showed off excellent control and a real ability to keep the ball in the park—a valuable skill these days with all the home runs flying.

His minor league time with the Arizona Diamondbacks system gave him a good foundation for the majors.

Key Seasons and Achievements

The COVID-shortened 2020 season turned out to be one of Keller’s best. He put up a sparkling 2.47 ERA in nine starts, showing flashes of top-of-the-rotation stuff.

He limited hard contact that year and really stood out among league pitchers.

2021 brought some bumps in the road, and Keller had to adjust his approach. His strikeout rate has gone up and down, with his career total now at 556 strikeouts.

That shows he’s learned to miss bats when he needs to.

Keller’s durability jumps out, too. He’s logged multiple seasons with more than 25 starts.

Being able to take the ball every fifth day is a big deal, even if the results have swung a bit from year to year.

Role in Rotation Depth and Team Impact

After several years with Kansas City, Keller joined the Chicago Cubs, where he now makes $1,500,000 a year.

His role has shifted—he’s become a key piece for rotation depth, able to start or come out of the bullpen.

Keller’s impact isn’t just about stats. By eating innings, he saves the bullpen over a long season.

His ground-ball style makes him extra valuable in parks where the ball tends to fly out.

Born in Snellville, Georgia, Keller has shown a knack for bouncing back after tough stretches.

He’s adapted his pitching style as needed, earning respect from teammates and coaches as a steady contributor.

Team Transitions and Recent Developments

Brad Keller’s career has included a fair share of team changes, injuries, and contract moves that have shaped his MLB path.

He’s bounced between a few organizations while working to prove he’s a reliable arm.

Time with the Cubs and Yankees

Brad Keller signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season, starting a new chapter after his Kansas City days.

The Cubs brought him in hoping he’d bolster their bullpen with his flexibility as both a starter and reliever.

But his time with the Cubs didn’t last long. By mid-season, the Yankees traded for Keller, looking for extra pitching depth for their playoff run.

He made 17 appearances for the Yankees, mostly out of the bullpen, and put up a 4.32 ERA.

During stretches when the Yankees’ staff was running on fumes, Keller’s ability to chew up innings proved valuable.

Injured List and Comebacks

Injuries have definitely played a role in Keller’s career. Early in 2024, he landed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, which kept him out for about six weeks.

He rehabbed in the minors, working to get his velocity and command back.

His fastball, usually in the mid-90s, started looking better during those rehab outings.

Keller came back with a bit of a new look, leaning more on his slider and sinker to get ground balls.

He told reporters, “I’ve had to reinvent myself a bit after the injury, focusing more on location than pure power.”

That sort of resilience has become a big part of his story lately.

DFA, Trades, and Free Agency Movements

Keller got a taste of baseball’s business side when the Chicago White Sox designated him for assignment (DFA) in late 2023.

That move gave other teams a chance to claim him before he hit free agency.

Just six days after the White Sox cut him, Keller signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox for the 2024 season.

He wore number 46 in Boston.

His free agency journey really shows how unpredictable life can be for MLB relievers.

Even with all the team changes, Keller has kept a solid net worth, estimated at $15,425,212, thanks to his contracts and steady value as a flexible pitcher.

Pitching Style and On-Field Performance

Brad Keller has crafted a unique approach on the mound that mixes power with some finesse.

His pitching repertoire and numbers have shifted and grown throughout his career.

Fastball and Pitch Arsenal

Keller’s main weapon is his four-seam fastball, usually sitting at 93-95 mph and sometimes touching 97.

He likes to use it when he’s ahead in the count.

His slider, though, has become a real difference maker, with sharp late movement that gets weak contact and plenty of swings and misses.

That pitch has gotten a lot better since his debut.

He also throws a sinker, which helps him rack up ground balls and double plays when runners are on.

His changeup doesn’t get used a ton, but it gives hitters something else to think about.

Since joining the Chicago Cubs, Keller has worked on his pitch mix and command, and he’s shown more confidence in his secondary stuff.

Strikeout Rate and Statistical Analysis

Keller’s strikeout rate has always been a work in progress. Early in his career, he was more of a ground-ball pitcher than a strikeout guy, with K/9 rates below the league average.

Lately, his strikeout numbers have ticked up as he’s leaned more on his slider.

That’s made him a tougher matchup in high-leverage spots.

Stat-wise, Keller’s numbers show he’s great at limiting hard contact.

His ground ball percentage is usually well above average, so he gives up fewer extra-base hits than most pitchers.

He’s had some ups and downs with control, and his walk rates have bounced around.

When he’s commanding his fastball, his WHIP and ERA both improve a ton.

Keller’s ability to pitch deep into games has made him a valuable rotation piece, giving his team quality innings when he’s on.

Contract Details and Net Worth

Brad Keller’s financial path in Major League Baseball tracks his climb from Rule 5 pick to established pitcher.

His contracts and earnings offer a look at his market value, and his financial picture stretches beyond just his baseball salary.

Contract History and Earnings

Brad Keller’s latest contract is a 1-year, $1.5 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, signed in 2025.

That’s a drop from his earlier salary, when he earned $5,775,000.

Keller’s road to the Cubs wasn’t straightforward. He signed a minor league contract with Chicago on January 29, 2025, and pitched his way onto the big league roster.

The Cubs selected his contract on March 27 after he impressed during spring training.

Here’s a quick look at his contract history:

• 2025: $1.5 million (Cubs)
• Previous high: $5.775 million
• Minor league deal before making the Cubs’ roster

Once his previous contract ended, Keller hit free agency and negotiated with a few teams before landing in Chicago.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Keller doesn’t chase a flashy endorsement portfolio like some other big-name baseball players. He keeps things pretty modest.

Most MLB players at Keller’s level usually land some regional endorsements and equipment deals, though the exact details of his sponsorships stay under wraps.

Baseball equipment companies often hook pitchers like Keller up with custom gear. Sometimes, they’ll even pay for him to use and promote their gloves, cleats, or pitching accessories. These deals don’t come close to his playing contract, but hey, it’s a nice little bonus.

In cities where Keller’s played—think Kansas City, now Chicago—local businesses might bring him in for ads or special appearances. Moving to Chicago, with its bigger media scene, probably opens the door for even more marketing chances.

Net Worth Estimation and Financial Insights

Brad Keller’s net worth sits at around $15.4 million, which comes from his years playing professional baseball. That number takes into account his salary after taxes, some possible investment gains, and maybe a few other income streams.

Keller probably works with financial advisors, like most pro athletes do, to help him handle all that cash. MLB players usually spread their wealth around in a few ways:

• Real estate investments
• Stock market portfolios
• Private business ventures
• Retirement savings plans

The MLB pension system gives players like Keller a safety net, as long as they’ve put in enough time on the roster. After just 43 days on an active roster, players can start qualifying for those pension benefits.

Financial planning matters a lot for baseball players, honestly, especially since their careers can swing up and down pretty fast. Just look at Keller—his contract dropped from $5.775 million to $1.5 million with the Cubs. That’s a big change.