Yankees targeting Pirates All-Star for starting rotation

A Veteran Option

Mitch Keller is not only becoming one of the hottest names being tossed around the rumor mill, but he closed out the first half of the season as one of hottest pitchers in the National League. 

Over his last six starts, Keller has cruised to the tune of a 1.96 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. The 2023 All-Star has logged more than five frames in each of those outings, compiling a 27-7 K/BB across 36.2 total innings.

It makes perfect sense that multiple contenders are reportedly kicking the tires on acquiring Keller. Not only has he been very effective on the mound lately, but the 29-year-old righty is under contract for another three seasons beyond 2025 at a value of nearly $56 million. 

Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette named the Cubs and Mets, possibly the front runner, as teams that have been in on Keller. "I’m also hearing that the Yankees are now in the mix," Hiles writes. 

Time till tell if the Pirates do indeed decide to move Keller. The Pittsburgh front office would likely be aiming for young, MLB-ready talent in any return package, so any suitor should be prepared to pay up.