Mitch Keller Trade Watch: Pirates Starter Expected to Be Moved in 2025

By Oliver Wiener June 08, 2025 12:43

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller has emerged as one of the most intriguing trade candidates in baseball. Despite being a key part of the Pirates’ rotation and signing a lucrative five-year, $77 million extension prior to the 2024 season, the Pirates appear open to offers for Keller as they continue their rebuilding process. With Keller under team control through 2028, his combination of youth, experience, and team-friendly contract makes him a valuable asset for contending teams looking to bolster their starting rotation.

Keller’s Performance and Contract

Mitch Keller, 29, has been a steady presence for the Pirates since his MLB debut in 2019. While his recent seasons have been somewhat inconsistent, he remains a reliable mid-rotation starter. In 2023 and 2024, Keller posted similar ERAs of 4.21 and 4.25 respectively, with consistent walk rates around 6.5-6.7% and a home run rate of 1.16 HR/9. His 2025 season has been a bit rocky, with a 1-5 record and a 4.15 ERA through early June, but advanced metrics like a 3.69 FIP suggest that poor defensive support has inflated his ERA.

Keller’s contract, which pays him $15 million in 2025 and escalates to $20 million by 2028, is considered reasonable relative to comparable pitchers like Alex Cobb and Frankie Montas. This affordability, combined with Keller’s team control, makes him an attractive trade target for teams seeking rotation stability beyond just a rental player.

Pirates’ Rebuilding and Trade Motivation

The Pirates have long been in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and accumulating prospects. Despite Keller’s value, the organization’s philosophy of “selling high” on expensive assets to restock the farm system remains intact. Pittsburgh’s front office has shown willingness to listen on Keller, especially if a trade can bring back major league-ready offensive help or prospects that align with their long-term vision.

MLB Trade Rumors notes that while Keller is a prized asset, the Pirates may only part with him if they receive a similarly talented player under team control or a compelling package of prospects. The recent trade of Luis Ortiz for Spencer Horwitz exemplifies this approach, where the Pirates swapped pitching depth for positional needs.

Potential Trade Destinations

Several teams have been linked to Mitch Keller in trade rumors. The Toronto Blue Jays, facing the potential loss of two starting pitchers to free agency, have been mentioned as a logical suitor. Keller’s contract and ability to slot in as a solid No. 3 starter fit the Blue Jays’ needs well.

The New York Yankees have also surfaced as a potential landing spot. Analysts suggest Keller’s contract would not be a “poison pill” for the Yankees, who have significant payroll flexibility in coming years. A proposed one-for-one swap involving Yankees pitching prospect Cam Schlittler has been floated, which could provide the Pirates with a near-MLB-ready arm while giving the Yankees rotation depth.

The San Diego Padres have also expressed interest, though integrating Keller into an already strong rotation could be challenging.

Outlook

While Mitch Keller remains a core piece of the Pirates’ rotation, the combination of his contract, team control, and Pittsburgh’s rebuilding mindset makes a trade increasingly likely before the 2025 deadline. The Pirates seek to balance maintaining pitching depth with acquiring offensive talent and prospects to accelerate their rebuild.

As MLB insiders note, Keller’s value lies not only in his current ability but also in the financial and contractual flexibility he offers. For contending teams, acquiring Keller could provide stability in the rotation for multiple seasons, making him a prime candidate for a blockbuster trade.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s front office as they weigh offers and determine whether Mitch Keller will be the veteran starter moved to jumpstart the Pirates’ next chapter.