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All-Star Starter Linked to Cubs Likely to Be Traded at Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 6:00 PM ET

Chicago Cubs personnel have been in communication with plenty of teams about their available starting pitchers. While plenty of other teams are also involved in trade talks for starters, the Cubs are one of the earliest teams active in the market.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that one of those early trade targets, All-Star Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller, is likely to be traded.

"Only 18 months ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed right-hander Mitch Keller to a five-year, $77 million extension." Rosenthal writes. "The team is in a different place now than it was then, making a trade of Keller possible, if not likely."

This update from Rosenthal paints a very clear picture of the Pirates and their $77 million All-Star. He not only says that a trade is possible, but Rosenthal also views a trade as likely.

The Pirates are a floundering team struggling with attendance and looking to shed some of their big-money contracts. While the Cubs are an in-division rival, if the Pirates can get a solid return, it shouldn't matter.

For the Cubs, with how great the offense and defense are in 2025, adding a starter at the deadline is a massive priority. Bringing in a veteran starter to the rotation can be the difference in the team making a deep postseason run or not.

Chicago, with their dire need for starting pitching, received good news from Rosenthal based on this report. If the Cubs can land Keller, they could be on their wya to locking up the division, and securing a postseason spot for the first time since 2020.

Despite getting Shota Imanaga back, the Cubs still need to add a high-profile starter. Keller, who has a career 4.52 ERA with the Pirates, could be a good option.

While his numbers aren't the best, his FIP is always significantly better than his ERA. If he joins a team with a vastly superior defense, Keller could see his ERA dip well into the threes and showcase how great of a pitcher he is when his fielders don't make mistakes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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