Fansided · Oct 26, 2025
Why the Pirates trading Mitch Keller would be foolish despite depth advantage
Athletics v Pittsburgh Pirates | Justin Berl/GettyImagesThere were plenty of trade rumors around this year’s MLB deadline surrounding Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller. The Pirates didn’t end up moving Keller at the deadline, but it seems that didn’t completely quell rumors about the Pirates eventually trading the right-hander.
With MLB's winter just weeks away, some are already once again tossing around the idea of the Pirates trading Keller. But, contrary to popular belief, the very pitching-rich Pirates still need Mitch Keller in their starting rotation if they want a chance to compete in 2026.