The Pittsburgh Pirates are approaching a crucial offseason, though you'll have to forgive the fanbase if there's more pessimism than optimism that the franchise can turn this sinking ship around.
One of the key moves general manager Ben Cherington will have to make is trading starting pitcher Mitch Keller, ideally for some help on the offensive side of the ball. Keller, 29, has three years and more than $54 remaining on his backloaded deal, and he's coming off a season in which he recorded a 4.19 ERA in 176 1/3 innings.
Part of what made the Pirates' trade deadline performance so disappointing was that, despite endless rumors, Keller wasn't moved at all.