Mitch Keller Drawing Significant Trade Interest from Yankees, Mets, Cubs, and Other Contenders

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller is a prominent trade candidate ahead of the MLB deadline, attracting interest from teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. The 29-year-old is having a strong season with a 3.48 ERA and 123 ERA+, building on a track record of at least 29 starts in each of the past three seasons, ranking 11th in innings pitched among all arms since Opening Day 2022. Contenders are drawn to Keller's established performance, his perceived untapped upside due to his unique pitching mechanics (supinator) and diverse arsenal, and his team-friendly contract, which guarantees him $54.5 million through the 2028 season at an annual average value around $18 million, widely considered a significant bargain relative to his market value.