These Two Relivers Have Unexpectedly Helped Cubs Succeed

Newsweek

23-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Early on in the season, the Chicago Cubs were losing several games due to major bullpen struggles. The acquisition of Astros closer Ryan Pressly has not yet paid off and both Porter Hodge and Julian Merryweather, usually trustworthy relievers, have both struggled.
Because of that, someone else has been needed to carry the load, and two surprise relievers have stepped up for Chicago and helped calm down what was a wild and unreliable bullpen to begin the season.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Brad Keller #40 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 21, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 21: Brad Keller #40 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 21, 2025 in Miami, Florida.Brad Keller was signed prior to spring training and his performance earned him a spot on the opening day roster for Chicago, and he's been there ever since.
Keller has already made 21 appearances for the Cubs this season, his most since he made 35 for the Kansas City Royals in 2022. He has a 2.70 ERA and 24 strikeouts across 23 2/3 innings. He has also not allowed a home run yet this season in his appearances.
He has not had an ERA under 4.50 since the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and he is well on track to have a career season with the Cubs. He is one of two under-the-radar relievers that Chicago acquired in the offseason.
The second of those moves was the Cubs' trade for left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz a little under a month into the season. Pomeranz had not appeared in a major league game since 2021, so it was a bit of a puzzling trade by Chicago.
It has indeed paid off and looked like a genius move by the front office, as Pomeranz has allowed just four hits and no runs in 11 appearances and 10 2/3 innings this season.
All four of the hits allowed by Pomeranz this season have come in his last five appearances, meaning his first six appearances for Chicago this season were nearly perfect.
With the trio of Pressly, Hodge and Merryweather, it's hard to imagine that Pomeranz and Keller would've been the unlikely duo that helped settle down the Cubs bullpen.
If those two continue to have success and the rest of the Chicago relievers can figure things out, the Cubs could have one of the best and most reliable bullpens across the league.
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