Did Pirates Miss Chance to Trade Keller? 3 Ways to Facilitate a Deal

Pittsburgh Baseball Now writer Danny Demilio argues that the Pittsburgh Pirates may have missed their prime opportunity to trade veteran pitcher Mitch Keller. Keller struggled in 2026, posting a 6-8 record with a 5.29 ERA over 22 starts before suffering a season-ending teres major muscle injury in August. Because he is owed roughly $39 million across 2027 and 2028, his trade value has significantly decreased.

Demilio outlines three potential ways general manager Ben Cherington could still facilitate a trade: paying down a substantial portion of Keller's salary, absorbing another team's unwanted contract, or attaching a prospect to incentivize a buyer. Alternatively, the writer notes that the Pirates may choose to retain Keller in hopes of a bounce-back season.