The Chicago Cubs have been on the hunt for a quality starting pitcher this summer to fortify their starting rotation amid a playoff hunt. While the MLB trade deadline is still a month out, Chicago has reportedly had serious trade discussions for an All-Star pitcher in recent days.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates have “engaged in serious trade talks” for over a week regarding a deal for starting pitcher Mitch Keller. He has long been on Chicago’s radar, and the two front offices have had prolonged discussions, but nothing is imminent.
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- Mitch Keller stats (ESPN): 3.90 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 77-25 K-BB in 99.1 innings pitched
Keller, a 29-year-old righty, earned an All-Star selection in 2023. It came after he posted a 3.31 ERA with a .219 batting average allowed, a 1.12 WHIP and a 26.7 percent strikeout rate in 19 starts, per FanGraphs. He hasn’t been quite as sharp since, with a 3.97 ERA, .261 batting average allowed, 1.31 WHIP and a 21.2 percent K-rate in his last 61 starts.
While he’s signed to a multi-year extension, Pittsburgh has made him available for trade this summer. Amid his name being floated in MLB trade rumors, Keller has responded with a 3.13 ERA and just 19 hits allowed across his last 23 innings pitched for Pittsburgh.
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- Mitch Keller contract (Spotrac): $15.411 million salary (2025), $16.911 million salary (2026), $18.411 million salary (2027), $20.411 million salary (2028)
While the Pirates are looking for top prospects to move him, Keller would be a more affordable option for Chicago than Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Furthermore, Pittsburgh seems more receptive to trading Keller right now than the Marlins are with Alcantara.
If a deal comes to fruition, Chicago would likely still have the prospect capital to strengthen its bullpen. Keller would also give the front office a cost-controlled starter, which could provide some payroll flexibility with the club hoping to re-sign Kyle Tucker this offseason.
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