The Chicago Cubs have secured a minor league contract with right-hander Brad Keller, augmenting their roster ahead of the upcoming season. The deal, confirmed on Friday, grants Keller an invitation to participate in the Cubs' spring training camp. Keller, 29, had a challenging season in 2024, pitching for both the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox, accumulating a record of 0-4 alongside a 5.44 ERA over 16 appearances, which included two starts. His career began with the Kansas City Royals in 2018, where he spent six seasons and compiled a 38-57 record with a 4.34 ERA across 166 games, including 116 starts.

In addition to Keller, the Cubs have invited other non-roster players, such as catcher Reese McGuire and right-hander Trevor Richards, to their camp. The Cubs also made a transaction by trading infielder Luis Vázquez to the Baltimore Orioles for cash, following his designation for assignment earlier in the week. Vázquez made his major league debut in May but only managed one hit in 12 at-bats while scoring twice in 11 games with the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs are actively reworking their roster this offseason with a focus on financial prudence. Recent trades have seen the team bolster its lineup without dipping into the free-agent market, aiming for a resurgence in the 2025 season and a strong playoff push. The Cubs' latest move involved trading infielder Luis Vazquez to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations, thereby reducing payroll costs. Vazquez, who made his MLB debut last season, struggled offensively but was known for his defensive capabilities. His departure opens up roster space for potential signings, including the possibility of acquiring Alex Bregman or adding depth to the bullpen.

The Baltimore Orioles have made a notable trade, acquiring infielder Luis Vazquez from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. While this move may not drastically alter their season outlook, it highlights the Orioles' intent to enhance their roster. Vazquez, a rookie who made a limited impression in his debut season, is regarded as a strong defensive asset and was deemed the Cubs' top infield prospect by Baseball America. His striking defensive skills combined with his solid Triple-A batting performance suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the Orioles' infield.

The Orioles moved to make room for Vazquez by designating veteran Emmanuel Rivera for assignment, a decision that raises some eyebrows given Rivera's performance last season, where he posted an impressive .313 batting average with four homers in limited action. However, the Orioles' decision to bring in Vazquez may reflect their strategy to develop younger talent, particularly with Coby Mayo poised to play a more significant role this season.