The Atlanta Braves‘ bullpen remains the team’s top priority this offseason. After re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal and signing Joel Payamps to a $2.25 million deal, Pierce Johnson is another player the Braves will have to decide on in the coming months.
However, if the Braves want to compete again for the MLB playoffs in 2026, they will almost certainly have to head to the free agent market and make a few meaningful splashes. Although the bullpen will be the top priority, Atlanta could also use another infielder, a depth starter, and has a big free agency decision to make on Marcell Ozuna.
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Braves Named As Perfect Fit for Brad Keller
One interesting name to keep an eye out for this offseason is reliever Brad Keller, and he could be an affordable option for the Braves to make an attempt to sign.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently came out with an article that names a ‘Perfect Fit’ for all 30 MLB teams in free agency, and Brad Keller is the name for the Braves:
“Keller had great success in a relief role with the Cubs in 2025, posting a 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances. The Braves had success converting Reynaldo López from a reliever into a starter, and Keller is a prime candidate to make that transition in 2026. Atlanta needs bullpen help, as well, so Keller would give the Braves options depending on how the rest of their offseason plays out.”
(Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)Brad Keller #40 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after the final out in game three of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on October 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Keller spent just one season with the Chicago Cubs, and the 30-year-old reliever is now in the open market.
Thinking about it from the Braves’ perspective, Feinsand explains it perfectly. Atlanta is really in the market for pitching help in general, so if they happened to want to transition Brad Keller into a starter role, that would also help the team with a chance to compete in a loaded NL East next season.
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Brad Keller is Coming Off His Best Season As a Big Leaguer
Brad Keller is coming off his best season as a big leaguer in 2025. He is somewhat of a journeyman. Keller spent the first six seasons of his career with the Kansas City Royals , but posted a 4.27 ERA in 150 games pitched. Then he floated around with the White Sox and Red Sox in 2024, but did not find much success.
This led to Keller signing a cheap deal with the Cubs in 2025, where he flourished and even emerged as one of Chicago’s high-leverage options in September and October.
Braves’ GM Alex Anthopoulos should certainly consider making an attempt to sign Keller. After the productive 2025 season, his market is surely going to have some big spenders like the Mets, Dodgers, Giants, and Blue Jays , so this would be a time for the Atlanta Braves to enter a bidding war and get their guy.
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