Major League Baseball has officially entered the period leading up to the trade deadline, and trade talks have begun. The Yankees have reportedly been tied to right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Yankees Linked to Pittsburgh Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
The MLB has clumped together huge events back-to-back-to-back. The MLB All-Star festivities are now complete, along with the 2025 MLB draft. Next up is the lead-up to the trade deadline, which has huge implications.
The Yankees are in a situation where winning the American League East is not an option. The club clearly does not have its ace from last year, Gerrit Cole. The club is now down Clarke Schmidt, who requires Tommy John surgery.
Brian Cashman and his front office do not want to be in a position where a bullpen day is the answer to their fourth and fifth starter spot. They also do not want to depend on Marcus Stroman in the long run. Keller may be a suitable option.
Mitch Keller May Be on the Market
The Pittsburgh Pirates are dead-last in the National League Central. They are nowhere near sniffing a postseason situation. The club will be sellers, the question is, who do they deal? Keller has reportedly been linked to the Mets, Cubs, and Yankees.
Keller may be one of the most elite arms on the market, making this a sensible situation. The Yankees also have to consider that Luis Gil has not been active, and there is no return date in sight. Ryan Yarbrough is also not likely to return anytime soon.
His Showing in 2025 to Date
Keller would be a huge addition to the Yankees rotation. The right-handed pitcher hasn’t had much luck in the win-loss column, as he’s 3-10, but leads the league in starts with 20.
Keller has a 3.48 ERA in 119 innings of work. He’s struck out 92 hitters, only walking 27, allowing 46 earned runs, and only nine home runs.
Keller would add great depth in the rotation and offer between five and seven innings per outing. This would give great relief to the bullpen.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
