The Pittsburgh Pirates could make a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Pittsburgh Pirates could become sellers on the trade market this summer considering the fact that the team is in last place in the NL Central.
Bleacher Report writer Kerry Miller suggests the Pirates could trade starting pitcher Mitch Keller to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Both Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer will hit free agency this winter, while Kevin Gausman only has one more year left on his deal. But with so much money already tied up in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander, Andrés Giménez, José Berríos and more, trading for Keller at a known price point through 2028 almost has to be preferable to another winter of hoping for the best in free agency.
Even if they drop hopelessly out of contention before the trade deadline, it could be a good long-term play for the Blue Jays. But if they’re still hovering around .500 or better three months from now, even better.
Toronto is merely one obvious option, though. Other teams would also be in the mix for the 2023 All-Star who could be a solid No. 3 starter in most rotations. And if the Pirates can save themselves $60 million and bolster their farm system amid another losing season, well, that has been their M.O. for decades, hasn’t it?
So far this season, Keller is 1-3 with a 4.38 ERA and 29 strikeouts across seven starts.
Keller has been with the Pirates for seven seasons, making him one of the longest-tenured Buccos, but if the right offer comes along this offseason, it may be time to move on.