The Mets have shown interest in Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. New York joins the Cubs as teams known to be linked to Keller, who placed second on MLBTR’s ranking of the top 40 trade candidates heading into the deadline.
It was just a week ago that the Mets got an up-close look at Keller when he held them to one run over 5 1/3 innings in Pittsburgh’s 9-1 victory over New York on June 27. That outing was part of a nice five-start stretch for Keller that has seen the righty post a 2.40 ERA over his last 30 innings of work. For the season as a whole, Keller has a 3.64 ERA over 106 1/3 innings, delivering both quality and reliability over his regular turns in the Pittsburgh rotation.
This durability likely has particular appeal for a Mets pitching staff that has been hit hard by injuries. Of the five pitchers who have tossed the most innings for New York this season, Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill are on the 15-day injured list, and Griffin Canning recent underwent a season-ending surgery to fix a ruptured Achilles. Sean Manaea has yet to pitch this season due to an oblique strain and then a loose body found in his throwing elbow, but he is scheduled to make his return from the IL before the All-Star break.
Since Senga could also be back within the week, the Mets could roll with a rotation of Senga, Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Frankie Montas through July to see if this starting five is enough to strengthen the team’s hopes of capturing the NL East and then a World Series title. Given all of the question marks within that group, adding a stable arm like Keller would certainly seem like a logical move to keep the rotation strong for the stretch run.
Beyond the prospect cost of a Keller trade, the Mets would face a particular financial penalty if they were to take on most or all of the right-hander’s remaining contract. Keller is owed the remainder of his $15MM salary for 2025, and is then owed $54.5MM over the course of the 2026-28 seasons. That would put another hefty commitment on the books for a Mets team whose luxury tax number (roughly $326.8MM, as per RosterResource) is well over the maximum tax penalty tier of $301MM.
Some salary offset could be included in any potential trade between the Mets and Pirates, though that would run counter to the Bucs’ desire to shed some payroll by moving Keller in the first place. With so much young pitching either already in Pittsburgh’s rotation or on the cusp of the majors, the thinking has been that the Pirates would move at least one or both of Keller and impending free agent Andrew Heaney in order to add some young talent (probably on the offensive side), create more openings for Triple-A call-ups, and to create financial flexibility.
“There seems to be a line of thinking where if they can get that money off the payroll, it can be used to acquire a hitter,” a source tells Hiles, which perhaps hints at a scenario where the Pirates could then pivot to acquire a somewhat pricey bat (likely a veteran). This would indicate a strategy of both selling and buying at the deadline, with the additions being aimed for either the future or perhaps even the short-term. Despite their 38-51 record, the Pirates haven’t yet fully committed to a full-on sale at the deadline, as the source says that the club’s 6-0 homestand this week might have created some hope that a later surge is possible.
Broadly, the team has played better since Derek Shelton was fired as manager, and interim skipper Don Kelly has led the team to a 26-25 record. Still, the Bucs remain solidly in last place in the NL Central, and it would take a major hot streak just to get to .500, let alone in contention. While Pittsburgh might not be ready to explore trades this early into July, the team remains “one of a few teams expected to sell this trade season,” as Hiles puts it. It is also fair to assume that the budget-conscious Pirates would always be open moving Keller’s contract regardless of their place in the standings, even in the unlikely scenario that the team does catch fire in the weeks leading up to the deadline.
I’m mighty curious what the prospect cost might be. The Mets absolutely should not part with Jett Williams, Ronnie Mauricio, Tong, Sproat, or MacLean. The others can be discussed.
Yeah, any of those would be an overpay if Keller is all the Mets get. Cubs might be willing to go higher.
@horaceallen Cherington would laugh his head off if any one of those guys was offered for Keller.
😂 😆
Let them dream.
Is that their top 5?
More or less, although Mauricio may have played too much in the big time to be considered a prospect. Great tools, I’d never trade him.
Mauricio doesn’t get Keller. Or really even close.
I would add Carson Benge and Jesus Baez as potential targets for other teams. Mauricio probably has lost some Shine after the last few weeks, but is probably still considered a top 10 in the Mets system.
Carson Benge will be the best of all of them.
I would part ways with Mauricio for him. Keller is controlled for three more years.
You part with Mauricio in a second and dont look back mets era indeed. A solid rotation guy for a below average player? Hell yeah
It’s not like Mauricio would be the only player going to the Pirates. They would get some other prospects.
With taking on Keller’s contract? I don’t believe so.
I’d find a way to send Starling Marte back to his original team, to pair with McCutchen. As a salary offset in this trade. But that would likely kill the chance of a deal with the Pittsburgh skinflints.
Bucs can’t have 2 DHs play at the same time
Skinflints?
The Pirates reached their PR quota for the Nutting era by bringing Cutch back. The icing on the cake is that at 38, he’s one of their best players. I like Marte, but even Nutting knows there’s only so much feel-good PR he can do and still have a losing franchise
His contact is very manageable for a 200 inning guy for almost any other large market team. It’s only a large contract because the Mets are already over the luxury tax. The Cubs have no such problem and either do other teams that might want him so there is no way you get him if you want money going back to the Pirates.
Would you prefer I use the term “tightwads,” instead, OldTimer?
LOL. Even that is being too kind to ownership here
Keller is outplaying his contract, so Mets attempts at lowballing him is just going to result in Keller playing for a different contender. I am interested to see Keller’s ceiling if and when he can ever pitch with a lead
I have no idea what Ronnie Maurico has done for the mets. He swings like a butcher and hits mistakes. He isnt a stud and so far looks like his ceiling is a below average player
Mets obsession with this dude should be studied. Giving up Ronnie Mauricio for Mitch Keller, if the pirates take it, the mets should never look back
Disagree, I think he just needs reps. Quick bat, fast as anything, great arm.
The less he plays the better. He cant even run properly.
He has “tools”? 5 of them or just speed, below average defense and below average offense? Very tools guy indeed. 4 dont work
Not a fan, huh?
Disagree. Makes terrible decisions at the plate AND in the field.
And, just my opinion, he has terrible body language. He gives the appearance like he doesn’t care. No hustle.
Give him away, before you won’t be able to get anything for him.
I’ve seen a lot of him in AA. He’s not a major league hitter, just a big athletic hacker.
For a minute, I thought you were talking about Cruz. Same description
Terrible body language? Hmmm…some pundits were writing this year about Soto’s awful body language. For some reason, I haven’t been reading that the past month or so. I wonder why?
Are you judging a players ceiling on him coming back from a major knee injury and not tearing it up instantly. I agree he won’t be a super star but he could be a very valuable player that plays multiple positions and can hit 30 home runs. Something the Pirates need badly.
No im judging him based on last season and whatever he has played this season. Its not his running, he runs well, is that he makes bone head benching worthy running mistakes.
Mauricio can hit 30 home runs? That’s to be seen. If he does it will be the empty home runs ever. Probably like a .210 average. 260 OBP and 30 home runs.
He didn’t play last season. He has a little over 150 major league abs. Not exactly a huge sample to size to say he’s limited.
We already have O’Neal Cruz.
He may hit 30 home runs. And get 38 hits. Along with 200k’s in a season. Pirates already have too many guys who swing from their heels.
baseball reference says he already has more than 38 hits
Its called research
Of course, any New York team is obligated to pay nothing for Keller. Its the way New York fans work.
I think you fail to realize how deep the Mets farm system is.
It’s not full with multiple high ceiling players. About as deep as your local community pool. Probably on the better side of top 15 in MLB.
Stearns has made it clear the kids will not be moved. The kids HE drafted.
You believe in Santa too.
Then the Mets are NOT getting Mitch Keller.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I remember the Yankees not getting Cole because they wouldn’t trade Fraiser or Andujar. Prospects, no matter how good they look, are volitile.
Good luck, starting pitching is the single hottest commodity at the deadline and the Mets don’t have a strong nor deep enough farm to try and hold back their top 5.
Starting pitching is almost all that’s on the trade market. Try getting a shortstop or center fielder. The Mets farm system is one of the deepest in baseball. Ridiculous to argue otherwise.
Unlike previous trade deadlines, Cherington isn’t going to be giving away players just to cut payroll
If the Mets don’t offer what he wants, they won’t be getting Keller
DUHHH!
metzfan there’s a lot more prospects you are forgetting that they can’t include like Acuña and Clifford to name 2. if they have to take on that kind of payroll they aren’t going to give up a very good Prospect
@metzfan…Did you just reply to yourself or announce your presence before you spoke?
Who cares about prospects? Just get him out of here. Haven’t you heard? The Pirates are losing money. Some sportswriter says so, so it must be true. Hillbilly Bob needs the money.
I can see Ryan Clifford as a Pirate.
Both he and Gilbert haven’t blossomed as hope, at least not yet.
Both need a little more time. Patience.
Isn’t everyone? If I’m the jays I’m offering up Martinez (former top 100 prospect) and a couple other little pieces for Keller and maybe see about adding Bednar
Clifford and Gilbert.
Holy moly NO
Interesting that fans want the Pirates to give away Keller for “little pieces”. The guy is a good pitcher on a bad team. Quite literally, you could reverse his W/L record this year as he’s gotten no support. No, I don’t think he should bring back a haul of young talent but he’d be a good, reliable starter for any contender down the stretch.
Listen, maybe what we send you will be the next Crow-Armstrong! That one really hurts, btw.
If the Mets take his full contract, with those future options, they should send no players back in return.
This is an insane take. You have pitchers getting injured left and right and a guy is available who gives you 160-200 innings every year and averages 2.5 WAR the last 3 years and on pace for over 3 WAR this year. When his contract fets to the 18 million number in 2028 it will be bargain compared to the contacts that are signed by similar pitchers that year.
Nate83 is Winner of the worse take of the week
Who mentioned little pieces? The Mets number 7 prospect is close to mlb top 100. Multiple prospects could be traded.
Might have been in reference to my comment above where I said Martinez (jays #3 ranked prospect) and add a few little pieces to the trade. If that’s right I should clarify little pieces being 1 or 2 prospects between 20-30 rankings and say a A ball lottery ticket. Which is exactly what the pirates have been looking for as they have plenty of impact pitching prospects but lacking position player prospects. Well id say Martinez is that and the pirates would have a good familiarity with him as well.
Well explained. Thanks. Makes sense
I don’t think Uncle Steve is going to care about paying more on the luxury tax considering how the Mets are trying to win and adding a quality starter would just be the price of doing business for them.
There will be plenty of teams interested in Keller, let’s see who gives the Pirates the best offer.
That is, in essence, what it all boils down to. Slim SP market w/ numerous Buyers, Keller is “good” and signed for 3 more years at an affordable SP salary… gotta give to get, so PIT can sit back and assess the offers.
Yeah, AND there’s undoubtedly some more upside to Keller with a real team helping him be his best.
Why aren’t the Mets getting enough upside from their current rotation to not need Keller?
Because literally every freaking team is always trying to add pitching. There. Hope that helps you understand supply and demand.
@RichardJarzynka: “Why aren’t the Mets getting enough upside from their current rotation to not need Keller?”
Because Senga, Manaea, Canning, and Megill are all injured? And Montas is returning from injury? And even still, their rotation has one of the best ERAs in baseball. Silly question.
Boston-That unreal team has developed a lot more young pitchers that the Red Sox have.
A whole lot more.
Acuna can go too.
Dude has a flashy name. ZERO power. Zero recognition on how to get on base. 👋👋👋
Needs to practice and get lessons from his superstar and incredibly talented brother who some idiot has the handle here Trade Acuna
Maybe he means *your* Acuña?
In other words, the Pirates should refuse to take Acuna.
Just so we are all clear…The package to quite Keller will be at least 1 top 100 prospect, 1 top15 prospect in your farm and 1 lottery type player…think young guy with upside. Keller is a solid 2-3 starter with 3 years control on a cheap contract. The price to acquire him will hurt. The Mets don’t get him without giving up at least 1 of Jett Williams or Benge, plus two other solid pieces
Ummmmmm. No.
Okay. The Pirates just move on to one of the many other teams who want Keller. Or keep him. He’s under a team-friendly contract for the next three seasons.
Exactly. Yankees may be calling too since Schmidt may be having TJS.
SOMEONE will pay for Keller
“ The package to quite Keller will be at least 1 top 100 prospect, 1 top15 prospect in your farm and 1 lottery type player…think young guy with upside…”
Haha nooooooo
What would you like to bet? Your house, car???
“The Mets don’t get him without giving up at least 1 of Jett Williams or Benge, plus two other solid pieces”
That is a ridiculous asking price. No chance the Mets/Stearns would consider that. Williams or Benge alone is probably already more than they’d be willing to trade, much less ‘two other solid pieces’.
This is literally the first season where Keller has been anything more than an average pitcher (albeit a durable one). He’s not bringing back a haul that big.
Some fans have ridiculous expectations. I still remember back in the day when Toronto was working on a trade for R.A. Dickey. Of course, we ended up with d’Arnaud, Syndergaard and more, but I listened to Toronto fans swear they were going to get our Cy Young-winning pitcher with the likes of Anthony Gose.
No secret Pirates need instant or near ready offense. SP is at a premium. Benge fits the bill as headliner. Cubs would have to give up Caissie or Alcantara.
Fanbases declaring everyone that would clearly sting to give up is “off limits” and proposing combo of next tier only works in amateur fantasy leagues.
Bingo! Good post Overhauler
Mets have Soto and Nimmo for a long time. Mets are only going to have CF open now and in the future. I don’t know if Benge can play mlb CF. Mets are not trading any possible CFs. I don’t think Benge will be dealt.
Pitt needs offense, and not the Prospect type. Batty, and another young player that has shown ability to contribute at mlb
hoof, I didn’t see your post when I commented Baty+ below! Great minds think alike, braddha! Ha
Mitch Keller has a 3.24 FIP, is on pace for 4.3 WAR, is under contract through 2028 for just $18.3M per year, and is wanted by many contending teams.
And Mets fans think the Pirates should accept their team’s table scraps for him.
Just for the record, I never understand your posts. You are a baffling poster.
I am, indeed.
$18 million/year for 3 more years?
And you expect players to go back to Pittsburgh as well?
For Mitch Keller? Nahhhhhh.
Do you even know baseball, like at all. Obviously not or your would know that’s a bargain contract for a starter of his caliber. He would get 25 mill a year on the open market today. It’s not 1987 anymore
Do you even understand baseball and what a number 2 or 3 starter that is reliable cost?
With what track record? At any point he may revert to the pitcher he’s been with four full seasons since 2021. It’s not bad, but it’s certainly not #2-3.
If a team is taking on that entire contract, there is a risk that has to be accounted for in the trade. You’re not getting A+ premium prospects and shedding the entire deal.
Is $18m a year a lot for #2/3 starter? There is no doubt that Keller would land at least a 3yr/$60m deal if he were a free agent.
Much more than 3 60
3 80
5 130
Who knows could be more
High demand for a dependable controlled arm. They’ll have to send a top prospect.
We don’t need a 5th starter, we need an ace. Mitch Keller is a better Paul Blackburn, not impressed. I’m done with Stearn’s penny pinching fixer-upper types that rarely pan out. They need to stop prospect hugging and get to trading for a #1. The options in my opinion that should be available in which I would be comfortable with solidify our rotation with are Jacob Degrom, Shane Bieber, and to a lesser extent Nate Eovaldi. I don’t see Stearns making any big moves. And don’t even get me started on the bullpen, Chapman is a must have
Keller would be the 2nd best starter on your team NOT a number 5….try again
Senga, Peterson, Manea, Holmes and then Keller
Senga is the only Mets starting pitcher with a lower WHIP or FIP than Keller.
So Mets fans have Keller in bullpen for playoffs lol
Keller is MUCH better than Peterson, Manea or Holmes and it’s not even close
“Keller is MUCH better than Peterson, Manea or Holmes and it’s not even close”
Utterly ridiculous assessment. Let’s focus on Keller for a second:
2023 – 1st half – 3.31 ERA in 19 starts; 2nd half – 5.59 ERA in 13 starts
2024 – 1st half – 3.46 ERA in 19 starts; 2nd half – 5.65 ERA in 12 starts
2025 – 1st half – 3.64 ERA in 18 starts; 2nd half – ???
Keller is a first half pitcher and an average starter (like #3 or #4 on a contender). He’s never finished a season with an ERA+ above 106 or a FIP below 3.80.
Peterson – 2024 – 2.90 ERA, 133 ERA+, 3.67 FIP in 21 starts. 2025 – 3.18 ERA, 120 ERA+, 3.51 FIP in 17 starts. He’s better than Keller.
Manaea is debatable on who is better. I would take him over Keller. Holmes, the jury is out on him as a long-term starter, but so far he’s put up a 2.99 ERA and 128 ERA+ in 17 starts. There’s a lot of uncertainty there but he’s pitched very well so far.
So no. Keller is not “MUCH better” than any of them.
I blame the variety of Pirates GMs over the eons who’ve basically given players away that allows fans of other teams to think that hey, we’ll send some low A guys in return
Then again, maybe it’s just something about Mets and Yankees fans.
You don’t think the Pirates would take Elian Peña in a heart beat for Keller? He’s not even in low A yet.
No.
Then you just answered why they are always a bad team. Elian Pena has superstar written all over him and will be the highest ranked prospect out of all of them within two years.
He’s 6 0r 7 years away from MLB (that is, if he ever makes it) and he is currently hitting about .235 in the Dominican Summer League.
If the Mets want to give him up, they can have Andrew Heaney in return.
Then you just answered why the Pirates won’t trade straight-up for Peña, METS. He’s not even in Low A yet… but you think he’s viable currency for a 2/3 SP? Gotta add some very good prospects if you’re trying to win the bidding for Keller, METS.
did you not read the article, Mets?
Cherington doesn’t want low level prospects, he wants major league ready players
Baty AND ________? for Mitch…
He went 0 for 27 to start his career. What are his stats since including a 3 homer game? Hes 17 and is graded out extremely high by scouts. The Mets aren’t trading him but you all are foolish if you think the Pirates wouldn’t give up Keller for him.
He isn’t 7 years away from the Majors. When has it ever taking elite international signings ever 7 years to make the majors? Maybe 3
Ohhhh, we’re all the fools… gotcha. Duly noted, METS.
That reminds me… bring back the Downvote, Tim!
Would the Pirates trade Keller for De Vries? There is literally only one year difference with almost the same exact pre signing grades of de Vries and Pena.
I guess you don’t know how many potential superstars have come into the Pirates system only to never be heard from again, or have come up and quickly flamed out
Leo and Peña are both teenage Shortstops… and that’s where that comparison stops. Are you seriously equating the two as having identical potential and elevating Peña to the current Top 3 on the MLB Prospects list? C’mon METS, stop being a homer. All due respect, but you’re way offline.
Are you serious Gwynning. Peña was the top international signing last year and de Vries the year before. Read their scouting reports. Pena will definitely jump the charts when he comes stateside as did de Vries.
I’ve watched Peña play, and while he’s a talented kid METS, it’s just way too early to start comparing to established prospects… who are, in their own right, waaayyy too young themselves to have “big potential” and “highly-rated” attached to their name. The simple facts are we are talking about kids and nobody knows the future. But therein lies the prospect game… people- scouts, fans, GMs, POBOs- “try” to predict what said prospect will be, and nobody ever gets it right all the time. The best in the business whiff and miss ALL THE TIME… having a top-shelf prospect go wire-to-wire to bonafide MLBer is the extreme rarity. All that being established, there are inner tiers to prospect-dom… and your boy is too young to classify yet. Now, I could see him as a secondary piece in a trade- not necessarily a throw-in, but a viable piece. That, unfortunately, is his value for now. Cheers bub
Benge
Keller would require either Benge, Williams or Batty as the headliner plus 1 or two more pieces
We have enough guys batting .225, no thanks
Mets acquire mid rotation arm.
Mid rotation guy pitches like top end starter.
Rinse and repeat.
That is an awesome problem to have lol
@WadeBoggsWildRide who has Stearns traded for that has actually succeeded as a starter? Paul Blackburn? He has been awful. You give that penny pincher too much credit
He has signed a bunch of nobody’s to pitch the last few years to great success. I guess my comment was focused on his moves as a generality vs trades specifically.
The strategy of signing 5 cheap low end or low-mid range starters on short term deals every year instead of committing to long term aces has worked pretty well.
Don’t look now but the Pirates have won 7 of their last 10.
World Series here they come!
I like how a smart businessman… can’t even spell it! Lol
“He was giving him the business!”
Mark Gastineau
Stroman makes $18.5 million and Taijuan makes $18. Keller is better than both of them right now, although he wasn’t this good last year. His salary is right in line with his ability, I would say.
He was better laat year
I’m going to guess both teams are unhappy having decided to give those ridiculous contracts to Stroman and Walker.
Walker is in the bullpen and not used, and Stroman is “a puzzle.” Thankfully for Stroman Yankees pitchers are dropping like flies.
Keller appears to be better than these two. Yes. For now.
It does not mean Keller has earned it. Or the three more years of commitment.
Every market has its own price based on not only supply and demand but how a team’s farm aligns with a trading partner
You can say MLb player is worth a grade 50 prospect but if the farm doesn’t have a 50 or the ask is for a 50 hitter and they only have a 55….
$ helps balance this out as for the NYM $ comes with the multiplier of CBT tax. Not mentioned and not discusswd yet, Marte’s contract doesn’t have a NTC however he gets 5-10 rights at the 2025 season end.
Yes PIT wants to get a hitter with the $ but also may run afoul of MLBPA if they move Keller w/o taking some $ back? Not sure
Obviously NYM would need to send a bigger prospect haul + $ however maybe this deal presents an opportunity.
As a true seller in a market where they have marketable arms and in general are open foe business on virtually their whole roste PIT might get to work early.
Good points @sfjackcoke
Marte is FA at season’s end. This concludes his 4 year contract with the Mets.
Marte plus Vientos for Keller. Add 3 mid prospects.
A pitcher with a losing record and a sub 4.00 ERA means it’s the team that sucks not the pitcher.If he wants to save his career, he better run out of there.
Good teams don’t look at wins era so his career is just fine.
No Mets starting pitcher comes close to Mitch Keller’s 2.4 WAR.
Peterson 1.8
Senga 1.7
Megill 1.5
Canning 0.9
Holmes 0.7
Senga’s 3.20 FIP is the only one in the Mets rotation that is lower than Keller’s 3.24.
FIP is the most irrelevant stat in baseball. Let’s grade players on 40% of their outcomes and ignore the rest. Hate to break it to you but fielding is a major part of the game and trying to ignore it is silly.
Fielding is not a part of a pitcher’s individual performance, therefore, it is entirely irrelevant to an evaluation of a pitcher.
What are you talking about? What kool aid did you drink? Ask Greg Maddux or Mariano Rivera if fielding was part of their performance? They intentionally got players to repeatedly to make soft contact on the handle or end of the bat to get quick outs. Getting someone to hit into a double play is vastly better then having to try to strike out to batters in a row. Do you think a pitcher with a six run lead should try to strike everyone out and avoid his defensive players?
Maddux stated that he had no control over whether a batter hit the ball within the range of a fielder.
Maddux had a career .281 Batting Average on Balls in Play. The league average during that time ranged between .278 and .299.
His FIP, however, was 22% below league average.
Which do you think is more indicative of the caliber of pitcher that he was?
He didn’t walk anyone and what was his ops against compared to the league? He only struck out a little over 6 batters per 9 innings and definitely used his fielders. He induced the most double plays in baseball history.
His .281 career BABIP shows that he was only slightly better than league average at “using his fielders.”
So you are using a standard of batting average that no Sabre metric uses anymore to support your Sabre metric argument?
It’s definitely not ENTIRELY irrelevant. Be reasonable, even slightly reasonable.
@RichardJarzynka WAR doesn’t mean anything for a pitcher. FIP is a useless stat. I use the eye test. Mitch Keller just isn’t that good. Hes a 5th starter
I’ve never thought Keller is a perennial Cy Young candidate but your rendering is just off base. He’s a mid rotation guy that would benefit any contending team down the stretch
@WashedUpOldTimer we don’t need another mid rotation guy. We already have plenty of those. We need an ace
He has periods where he’s certainly that, LFG. The problem is he’ll have 3-4 starts where he can’t stay out of dead red with his fastball or he doesn’t have the touch on his movement pitches. Have not seen one of those periods this year. The guy has been solid.
I get what you’re saying, of course. Problem in this thread is that people want to undervalue the guy and send scraps in return
Lugo is the closest you can get… Followed by Keller. For now at least.
You’re eyes are deceiving you.
You’re being dazzled by first half Keller. Peterson and Senga are better than Keller, Senga by a wide margin.
Keller’s stats:
2023 – 1st half – 3.31 ERA in 19 starts; 2nd half – 5.59 ERA in 13 starts
2024 – 1st half – 3.46 ERA in 19 starts; 2nd half – 5.65 ERA in 12 starts
2025 – 1st half – 3.64 ERA in 18 starts; 2nd half – ???
He does this every year. Great first half, blows up in the second half. To suggest that he’s better than any pitcher on the Mets based solely on WAR (quite flawed for pitchers) and FIP is crazy.
But you’d still trade for him, yes? He can pitch, the talent is there, and perhaps his performance is in line with the team he plays for. I think he may be more focused on a team like the Mets that are in the running, this improving his performance.
I’d move a prospect or two easily for him. No issue sending Mauricio and/or Acuna for him.
Mets are desperate for pitching. Pirates should take advantage & tell Mets they not only want Mauricio but also one of their top pitching prospects for Keller
But they wouldn’t want either of those?
Bucs fans—how about Moisés Ballesteros +
(one of) Will Sanders/Connor Noland from the Cubs? That’s a future DH/backup C plus a back-end SP…I don’t know if you’d get much more without eating any of Keller’s $$$.
The Bucs won’t be eating any of Keller’s contract if he’s traded
Keller’s contract would be a bargain for any team that acquires him. He’s on pace for 4.3 WAR and, over the past two seasons, average 2.8 WAR. On the free agent market, that’s worth about $23 Million per year. Keller is owed $18.3 million per year through the 2028 season.
If the Cubs want Keller, any trade will have to start with Caissie or Alcantara.
It’s well known that the Pirates cherish young outfielders. They have little in their system that is “on the cusp”. A future DH slash back up catcher? Really? And pitching is something they don’t need at present
Not talking prospects. Bucs want an MLB bat to start. Keller is a solid pitcher with a sub 4 ERA. Controlled for 3 more years at under 20 million per year & you want them to take single A or double A PROSPECTS !!
Disagree, Bucco. They’re not a hitter away from competing, not even two. And judging from the fact Cherington is listening to offers for guys like Hayes, Reynolds and even Cruz, I’m thinking they want guys on the cusp who also won’t break their bank
Love the name Bucco, bucko. Makes it way easier to reply in a condescending tone.
Curious what PIT would want in return? Tidwell, Mauricio & Colin Houck?
Vientos Tidwell Blackburn and Houck. Pitt will still need innings.
MLB-ready hitting prospects that the Mets don’t have.
You have spiked hair and live under a bridge right? Your assertion Keller is a 5th starter is not shared with anyone whose job involves MLB player evaluation.
Keller is a mid rotation arm who can start a playoff game. and for a team that can setup its rotation, preferably Game 4. Mute is a beautiful feature
Agree somewhat. Keller is a mid rotation arm on most teams. On the Mets I could argue he’d be #1
Absolute silly fandom from Mets fans on this thread. Williams and Gilbert might get it done. Might. Keller would be number 1/2 in the Mets rotation.
He’d be three or four. He’s not bumping Senga or Manea, and an argument can be made for Peterson as the three. Adding Keller and touching it off with Holmes would be nice. Not a staff that would scare me, but deep enough that one through five should be able to keep them in games while the offense does its thing.
Mets fans don’t deserve Keller. They’re too homerishly stupid.
It’s not even that, BP. It’s that fans of huge market teams are used to stepping on the little teams to get what they want, and on the cheap
And we’ve had GMs here willing to acquiesce
The Red Sox match up best with the Pirates for a trade. They have a surplus of outfielders and need starting pitching. Keller wouldn’t just be for this year he would help the next couple years and could be true win-win for both teams.
Not sure the Mets could pull it off especially the the Mets want the pirates to pay much of his salary
Near ready MLB bats at OF,1b or 3b And a long far out pitcher..
Off set salary’s by brining back Marte for the LoLs.
The Mets really just aren’t a match for what the Cubs could offer for Keller. With the Pirates being in the position of not needing to trade Keller at all, they can squeeze out a pretty good package from a desperate team, better than what the Mets will be willing or able to offer.
The Mets could totally be in play for Heaney, though. Dom Hamel could be a change-of-scenery type (in a similar vein to the Holderman trade). He could allow the Pirates to deal from their pitching depth to swing a bigger deal elsewhere.
Realistically, the Cubs could headline a Keller trade with any of their top 5 (outside of Rojas, who is too far away at the moment) and stand a decent chance of getting something done. The Mets don’t have anything close to any of those in terms of near ready players.
Don’t part w/Baty or Mecurio, maybe Vientos with a boat load of cash and another player named later like Oakland used to do. No prospects, too much talent to part with.