The Yankees Like This Starter But Is He Worth the High Trade Price?

The Yankees have officially joined the chase for Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller, per reporting from Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It’s not surprising. They’re down two key starters in Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, and while rookies Will Warren and Cam Schlittler are holding the line, Brian Cashman is clearly searching for reinforcements.

Keller, 28, isn’t an ace—but he might be the most durable starter on the market. Since 2022, no pitcher in baseball has made more starts (112), and his 650⅓ innings in that span rank 10th overall. He’s made 13 straight quality starts this season, posting a 3.04 ERA over that stretch. Add a career-low walk rate and team control through 2028, and you have a front office dream: steady now, cost-controlled later.

But acquiring him won’t be simple. Keller’s contract escalates to $20 million by the end, and the Yankees are already deep into luxury tax territory. Because of that, any salary adds come with a 110% surcharge. That $15 million salary in 2025? More like $31 million in Hal Steinbrenner’s accounting.

And then there’s the prospect cost.

 Pittsburgh doesn’t need to move Keller, and with three-and-a-half years of control left, the ask will be steep—likely starting with a high-upside arm like Carlos Lagrange or Griffin Herring, and possibly more.

Still, compared to other starters potentially available—like Sandy Alcántara (struggling badly) or Edward Cabrera (talented but injured again)—Keller might be the cleanest fit. He wouldn’t just stabilize the current staff. He could be part of a future rotation that includes Cole, Fried, Rodon, and Gil.

If the Yankees believe they’re building for more than October 2025, this is the kind of move they make now.