Pirates' Mitch Keller dilemma now has one surprisingly simple answer

Aug 19, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesThe Pittsburgh Pirates (supposedly) came into this winter with a clear plan: trade from starting-pitching depth to finally fix a lineup that finished last in baseball in basically every offensive category that matters.

That part makes sense. Pitching is Pittsburgh’s currency, and bats are the shortage. And to their credit, they already executed that plan twice — flipping Johan Oviedo and Tyler Samaniego to Boston for Jhostynxon…