Trade speculation has followed the Pittsburgh Pirates throughout a long rebuilding time, and as one of the organization’s most reliable arms, Mitch Keller has often found himself at the center of it.
From deadline chatter to offseason rumors, Keller’s name has surfaced repeatedly as a potential trade chip. He’s a controllable starter who could get a decent return if Pittsburgh ever chose to go that route.
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Speaking this week, Keller made it clear that he’s used to the noise and remains focused on where he is. At this point, it’s better for Keller to control what he can control and go from there.
“It’s been a lot over the past couple of years,” Keller said, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “My name’s been thrown out in any trade talk with the Pirates. I tried to tune it out. I know I’m excited to be here, excited about the things we’ve done.”
His value with Pittsburgh, however, is more than performance. Keller now sits at the center of a young pitching staff the Pirates believe could define their next contention window.
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Asked about the emerging staff around him, Keller understands how good all the arms with him can be.
“Paul’s badass on the mound with his mentality,” Keller said, “Jared [Jones] is [expletive] and vinegar out there. [Braxton] Ashcraft is a different type. Bubba [Chandler], too. Everyone has their own little way of doing things.”
“It’s so much fun to see it all come together,” Keller continued. “We’re all really good friends, and that’s the really cool part about it. We can also get on each other in a healthy way. I think that’s how you take steps forward.”
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For a franchise long searching for ways to win, this young core, which doesn’t really include Keller, is one of the best in baseball. However, Keller’s presence as both a mentor and friend can help, and he’s also a good enough arm to keep around unless the right deal comes out.
He’s ready to go and is happy with how he feels this spring.
“I try to stay even-keeled,” Keller said. “That goes a long way when things aren’t going well for somebody. You kind of bring them down to Earth. It’s never as bad as you think it is. It’s never as good as you think it is. I think that helps keep consistency going with the staff.”