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Pittsburgh pirates continue to underperform despite the best launcher in the league, Paul Skenes, on their list, which kept them in the cellar of the Central of the National League. As the deadline approaches, the pirates have the best right -hander starter on the market, and it is not Skenes but rather his teammate Mitch Keller, according to Mark Feinsand from mlb.com.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – July 22: Mitch Keller # 23 of Pittsburgh Pirates Pitches during the first round against the Detroit Tigers during the game between the PNC Park league on July 22, 2025 in Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania.
Photo by Justin K. Go / Getty Images
Keller was a solid arm for pirates with 15 quality departures in 21 departures this season, and yet he is 4-10 years on Thursday. The right -hander has an MPM of 3.53 for the pirates and will be a launcher sought on the team of teams looking for a controllable arm this season. Keller will not be a free agent before 2029 and will come with a price that can help the pirates for the future while they are trying to build around Skenes and Oneil Cruz.
With the deadline for trade next week, pirates should be active because they are out of the mixture of the playoffs and are looking forward to next season and beyond. Keller could be a piece that moves to bring in the future, but also served as a good pairing in Skenes in the rotation of Pittsburgh.
Keller could be hitting the shot for the MLB as they seek to build, and with the prospect of upper pitch Bubba Chandler while waiting to go to PNC Park, the pirates will certainly go well to move the starter.
Keller has shown promise at major leagues, and that raises the question of how he will jump with a competitive team to surround him.
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